Honeymoon and travel ideas for Bristol and Somerset couples

Monkey Island Estate is the ideal countryside getaway this Christmas

With a history that dates back 800 years, Monkey Island Estate, situated on a private island in the village of Bray, is the ideal countryside getaway this Christmas. Set within seven acres of picturesque gardens overlooking the River Thames, the estate offers timeless glamour and modern design with its own brasserie and floating spa. Just a 20-minute drive from Windsor Castle, guests can follow in the footsteps of royalty, and visitors will see the State Apartments transformed with shimmering Christmas trees and twinkling lights for the most regal of festive decorations. From 1st-24th December, the hotel will also be offering a special festive afternoon tea, including an assortment of Christmas sandwiches, cranberry and candied orange scones, and a selection of fancies inspired by traditional desserts, including an Irish Coffee Yule Log.

The Gainsborough Bath Spa is ideal for festive celebrations

The Gainsborough Bath Spa offers the ideal escape for those looking to sample the local celebrations while indulging in some relaxation. The hotel is perfectly situated to explore the iconic Bath Christmas Market, and after a day of shopping, it provides a true sanctuary with its award-winning Spa Village, offering exclusive access to Bath's natural thermal waters.

For those looking to celebrate the season in style, The Gainsborough Brasserie will be offering a delectable three-course festive dinner menu, combining the very best seasonal produce with classic Christmas flavours. A Festive Afternoon Tea will also be available, including an assortment of finger sandwiches, scones, and an array of Christmas-inspired cakes served with artisan teas and the option of a glass of fine Champagne, from £38 per person.

Celebrate the festive season at Malta’s Mdina

For keen travellers seeking out an alternative destination to celebrate the festivities of Christmas and New Year's Eve, look no further than The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux. This opulent 17th-century palace is hidden away in the Medieval fortified city of Mdina, the old capital of Malta, which experiences temperatures of almost 20 degrees throughout the whole of December. With the streets no longer heaving with tourists in peak season, it provides the perfect setting to celebrate the holidays with loved ones. Overflowing with culture, archaeology, and history, and with a delectable array of food and drink, Malta is a brilliant holiday destination, but even better at Christmas!

Enjoy a new culinary journey through Norway

Travel specialist Pelorus has announced a new culinary journey through Norway in partnership with 62Nord and SKANDL.

Couples will have the opportunity to explore the very best of Norway's landscape through exciting hands-on masterclasses led by chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, sourcing the freshest of ingredients from in and around the stunning fjord. Guests will also try their hand at Nordic fishing, foraging, and food preparation techniques, including open-flame cooking, before resting their heads at one of 62Nord's properties.

Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa has launched a new honeymoon package

Le Meridien Maldives Resort & Spa has launched the Romantique Honeymoon package for couples looking for the ultimate romantic retreat. Located in Lhaviyani Atoll, a secluded hideaway surrounded by a shimmering lagoon, guests can enjoy paradise and even escape to the resort's own private island, Bodu Finolhu. Gourmets are treated to a host of culinary experiences from the teppanyaki in Japanese Tabemasu, a private open-air pavilion overlooking the ocean to the secluded Harvest Table, next to the resort's greenhouse, where couples can enjoy a secluded dinner crafted using fresh produce from the island.

Hôtel Le Coucou will reopen this December with an array of enhancements

Hôtel Le Coucou will reopen this December with an array of enhancements. From a new French-style bistro to upgraded chalet experiences, collaborations, and special holiday events, Le Coucou promises a truly unforgettable winter getaway in the heart of the French Alps.

To elevate the private chalet experience, Le Coucou will pamper guests with new beauty products and provide the opportunity to attend a master class with AIME founder Mathilde Lacombe, gaining insights into her skincare philosophy and products.

The UAE is emerging as a stunning boating destination

With over 1,300km of coastline to discover and crystal-clear blue waters, it's no wonder that the UAE is becoming one of the best places to sail. Whether you're a sailing enthusiast or someone who likes to just invest in a short and sweet boat ride for the day, the weather conditions are near perfect, with little tidal movement and predictable winds. The UAE also offers a natural flat landscape, beaches, warm temperatures, and many beautiful islands to explore.

Château Troplong Mondot is celebrating 30 years of alternative cultivation

Château Troplong Mondot, a wine estate and boutique hotel in Bordeaux, is celebrating 30 years of insecticide and herbicide-free cultivation. It has also transitioned to being fully ploughed by its 12 resident horses that roam the vineyard between March and November.

The Château's luxury restaurant, Les Belles Perdrix, boasts seasonal menus that capitalise on the best picks from the garden and local suppliers. The restaurant has quickly become one of the most sought-after tables in the area and has been awarded both a Michelin Star and a Green Star in recognition of its sustainable methods.

Jade Mountain has announced a partnership with luxury suncare brand Saltee

Jade Mountain has announced a partnership with luxury suncare brand Saltee. The partnership will give guests the opportunity to try Saltee products, protect themselves from the radiant sun, and discover more about their skin's health and what can be done to protect it in different situations.

Eleanor Allum, the head of partnerships and sales at Saltee, explains: "We are thrilled to be adding to the guests' experience at Jade Mountain by surprising and delighting them with meaningful yet relevant SPF gifts on arrival. Forged on sustainable principles and being the most ocean-friendly sun care range, the synergy between the two partners couldn't be more aligned."

Sitatunga Private Island is a new water-based safari camp

Sitatunga Private Island is a new water-based safari camp in the upper reaches of Botswana's Okavango Delta. Built on a raised, wrap-around private deck, Sitatunga Private Island can accommodate four adults in two private suites. Constructed almost entirely of recycled materials, the camp offers couples a 'slow safari' that is as sustainable as it is luxurious. The suites come complete with an indoor lounge, bathrooms with baths and separate showers, a deck with outdoor lounging and seating areas, as well as a private pool with views over the lagoon.