"I'm a big fan of Santa, but I have a fair bit of Bah, humbug in me, too," says Mike Thiel, Founder and President of Hideaways International™, Inc. (
www.Hideaways.com). "I've always felt that Scrooge was misunderstood: It wasn't that he hated the holidays, it's just that he desperately needed a spirit-reviving experience at a hideaway free of crowds and commercialism."
Hideaways.com's Top 6 Scrooge-Approved Vacation Retreats are the best places to go to avoid, or recover from, holiday overload.
1.
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort (Argentina): Set on a rise between glacial lakes and surrounded by three majestic Andean mountains, this natural masterpiece delivers breathtaking vistas, superb service, and great mountain style (and dining!). In this part of the world, December is a summer month, so instead of bundling up in your warmest coat, you can throw on the sunscreen and hit the golf links or go boating (even Santa will be jealous).
2.
Little Palm Island (Florida): This exquisite private-island retreat combines every wonderful little luxury you need, like dinner under the stars with your feet in the sand, without any distractions like telephones to interrupt that leaving-the-world-behind mood. It doesn't have television either, which means you won't have to suffer through another It's a Wonderful Life marathon.
3.
The Sarojin (Thailand): No Rudolph here, but you can give yourself unforgettable gifts, like riding an elephant in one of five neighboring national parks of spectacular rain forest, lagoons, and mangroves; enjoying a pristine, seven-mile-long stretch of white-sand beach; and indulging in a sybaritic spa treatment at this gracious and modern Asian oasis.
4.
Vacation home rental (Caribbean): Rent a villa and enjoy all the comforts of home—space, privacy, your own kitchen, and even your own swimming pool—while leaving all the holiday excess (and the Christmas tree) behind. Most villa rentals have a 7- to 14-night minimum stay over the holidays, and finding affordable airfare can be a challenge, so don't delay—you don't want to be left out in the cold!
5.
Guana Island (BVI): This back-to-basics haven is anything but basic with unrivaled seclusion (it is a private island, after all, with cottages for just 30-some guests), stellar service, and all-natural diversions like seven empty beaches. Celebrate with a gourmet castaway picnic for two, or share a holiday meal—and a few toasts—with your fellow islanders.
6.
AmaWaterways (Cruise): It doesn't have to be all or nothing, of course. When you enjoy a "Christmas Time" cruise with AmaWaterways, you'll partake in some tasteful holiday revelry—like shopping at traditional Christmas markets and sampling holiday fare—that leaves you feeling full of good cheer and authentic tidings of comfort and joy. Which means you can have your Christmas cake and eat it, too.
"Since the holiday spirit is now unleashed in early November, many of us come down with a severe case of 'holiday commercialismitis' long before the holidays arrive," says Mike. "The only sure-fire cure is to get away from it all—far away—at one of these Scrooge-approved hideaways."
About Mike Thiel
Mike Thiel founded Hideaways International™ in 1979. Over the last three decades, he has traveled the world sampling its best lodgings and travel experiences, and has become a sought-after guest on radio and television news and talk shows across the country.
To arrange an interview with Mike Thiel, contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or
pr@hideaways.com.
About Hideaways International Hideaways International, Inc., which operates the Hideaways Aficionado® Club, has been seeking the best-of-kind and out-of-the-ordinary for its savvy, discerning, and well-traveled members for more than three decades. Members, who hail from around the world, range from notable celebrities, musicians, publishers, authors, captains of industry, and politicians to ordinary folks with extraordinary taste. All are part of this lively community with a passion for travel away from the madding crowds.
For more information, visit
www.Hideaways.com or contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or
pr@hideaways.com