10 minute read
TRAVEL
Christmas markets
Get that rosy glow of the festive season at these magical outdoor events – with food, drink and gifts to boot
01
Copenhagen, Denmark
If anyone can do Christmas markets, it’s the Danes. Wandering the four miles of stalls with their artfully hung fairy lights in Copenhagen’s enchanting historic amusement park, Tivoli Gardens is a dazzling shopping experience you’ll never forget. Stands stocked with fine handmade crafts, such as jaunty clog-clad elves in pointy red caps and laughing reindeers, sit next to iced doughnuts coated in blackcurrant jam and goblets of traditional Danish gløgg, a hot drink laden with raisins, almonds, fragrant cinnamon sticks, and bitter cloves. A delicious experience all round. q visitcopenhagen.com
02
Budapest, Hungary
04
The biggest and longest Budapest Christmas market takes place on Vörösmarty square in the heart of the city. The large square is blanketed with glowing Christmas lights strung from trees and buildings. Beneath the lights, wooden market stalls host traditional Hungarian food vendors and all sorts of arts and crafts. Locals and tourists mingle over a mug of spiced mulled wine or a bowl of warm goulash soup at long communal picnic tables. Space heaters keep revelers warm as the sounds of Hungarian folk music echo throughout the square. q budapestinfo.hu/en
03
Prague, Czech Republic
Great news as Prague Tourism Board has confirmed the return of its Christmas markets this year, too. The stunning Gothic city of Prague becomes a city of fairy tales as the chilly air casts a misty magic around the spires of the Old Town. In the city’s main Wenceslas Square, in the shadow of a gigantic Christmas tree, old-fashioned wooden toys and handmade puppets are cheerfully bought and sold alongside delicate Bohemian glass and crystal. q pragueexperience.com
05
Santa Claus, Indiana, USA
Yes, there really is a town in America called Santa Claus. The Midwestern town has built fame and fortune – and lots of happy memories – on its festive moniker. As you can imagine, things get extra sparkly in December. Santa Claus Christmas Store is famous for its unique, personalised ornaments, stationery and stockings, while Santa’s Candy Castle has the biggest selection of candy canes you’ll find anywhere. After shopping, post your cards at Santa Claus Post Office (your envelopes will be postmarked with ‘Santa’), play some reindeer games at Frosty’s Fun Centre, then walk through the Land Of Lights, the biggest holiday light show in North America. q santaclausind.org
London, England
Winter Wonderland in London’s famous Hyde Park has quickly become a must-do for British families celebrating the season, and delightfully, it’s back proper this year. Famed for its fairground rides, circus and gigantic observation wheel, it’s also a place to swing by for lastminute gifts. Browse the 200 fairy-lit Bavarian-style wooden stalls, while clutching a decadent hot chocolate and tasty churro, on the hunt for woolen mittens and hats, charming ornaments and London keepsakes. In the Ice Bar everything is made of ice, from the building to the glasses, and you’re handed a cloak and gloves at the door. Take a tour of the Magical Ice Kingdom, where a frozen forest filled with unicorns and fairies leads you to a meeting with the magnificent Snow Queen. q hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
THE TIME TO VISITMadrid IS NOW
Madrid, like any other millions-strong capital city, is a shapeshifter, easy to adore but hard to pin down. To museum lovers, it’s a bottomless trove of Goyas, Velázquezes, Sorollas, and Picassos; to partiers, it’s a chooseyour-own-adventure of world-class techno, house, flamenco, jazz – any scene you love, any night of the week. Food lovers may have the most fun. Dinner might be a handful of olives and Sangria at a glorious hole-in-the-wall tapas bar, a nine-course tasting feast at a Michelin-starred gastro haunt, or anything in-between.
Today Madrid is a patchwork quilt of cultures hailing not just from around the Iberian Peninsula but far, far beyond. Here are the reasons why there’s never been a better time to visit the Spanish capital – plus a smattering of insider tips to knit you straight into the city’s fabric from the moment you touch down.
WHAT TO SEE
With its architectural wonders, beautiful parks, famed art museums and laidback lifestyle, Madrid is basically a dream come true – provided your dreams are filled with influential art, delicious food, and beautiful people. Must visits include the great galleries of Madrid’s Golden Triangle of Art, home to the Prado (be sure to book in for your own private tour), Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía museums, as well as the Royal Observatory and Royal Botanical Gardens.
WHAT TO EAT
We love a tapas crawl as much as the next chowhound – who can resist meaty croquettes and slices of ooey-gooey Spanish omelette? So where better to start than at the oldest restaurant in the world? Founded in 1725, and with almost three centuries of history behind it, Botín is one of the capital’s most authentic and traditional eateries. But what sets Madrid apart from other Spanish cities is its nueva cocina scene that throws the rulebook out the window. For that type of cooking, there’s no hotter barrio than Saddle, helmed by chef Adolfo Santos, having just collected its first Michelin star last year. Saddle joins an impressive collection of 19-strong Madrid establishments that are part of the Michelin Guide 2021, which includes DiverXo headed by Dabiz Muñoz, Coque by Mario Sandoval, and El Invernadero, by Rodrigo de la Calle.
WHERE TO STAY
The best of the old have survived, upgrading their facilities while adhering to old-style values of discretion and hospitality, but they have been joined by modern designer hotels that capture the essence of Spain’s style revolution. The Four Seasons, for example, is a newcomer to the capital, having opened its doors in 2020, while both the Rosewood Villa Magna and the Mandarin Oriental Ritz, are once again welcoming guests after undergoing ambitious restoration and renovation work. These three new additions join Madrid’s extensive list of premium hotels which includes the historic Westin Palace and the Santo Mauro Autograph Collection.
If life were a city, it’d be Madrid
WIN!
THE ULTIMATE FOODIE WEEKENDER AT BAB AL QASR
Take your beloved on a foodie adventure with this prize from Bab Al Qasr. The Abu Dhabi hotspot is giving away a two-night stay in one of its modern rooms, with all your meal experiences taken care of, too. You’ll get the chance to try the newly launched Splash the Brunch from 1pm to 4pm, followed by a unique dinner in the dark experience at Fresh Basil where the waiters are fitted with night vision goggles and you feast in the pitch black. You’ll also have breakfast in the hotel’s Artisan Kitchen, and enjoy a romantic dinner shoreline at The Loop Beach Restaurant & Bar.
q For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win
WIN!
A WEEKEND STAY AT THE MARRIOTT HOTEL DOWNTOWN ABU DHABI WITH BRUNCH
One lucky winner will get to enjoy the Eat, Play, Laugh brunch at Kuzbara, with an overnight stay for two included. The popular Friday feast features a mix of Malaysian, Thai, Japanese and Indian cuisine from street food to sushi, as well as a range of other global favourites from seafood to carvery stations. On the entertainment front, there’s giant Jenga, darts and foosball tables while the hotel’s resident DJ keeps the party hyped. Stay overnight in one of the hotel’s modern rooms, followed by breakfast to round off the weekend antics.
q For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win
LASTMINUTE TRIP
Does Sofitel Dubai The Palm really have it all for the perfect family-friendly staycation?
French Polynesian-style resort Sofitel Dubai The Palm has certainly stood the test of time – even as other five-star resorts built up around it. The key to its longevity? Maybe it’s the awardwinning restaurants, its various pools and activities, and kids’ club. Or perhaps it’s the resort’s delightfully calming spa. We reckon it’s a bit of everything – a hotel that has everything you want, whenever you want it.
The location
Found on the East Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah, Sofitel Dubai The Palm is within easy reach of many key locations in Dubai and is a 30-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. Its positioning on The Crescent means it has stunning sea views on either side of the hotel, too.
The look and feel
Inspired by French Polynesia, the exteriors have a warm stonewashed aesthetic, with plenty of palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze. The vast lobby is light and neutral with golden-hued marble, while the friendly staff help make you feel at ease right from the get go.
The rooms
There are a variety of rooms and suites to suit families, couples, or groups of friends, some with sea and beach views, and some with courtyard views. They are spacious and comfortable, if slightly let down by outdated style.
The facilities
Sunshine worshippers will find solace at one of the many pools surrounded by palm trees. There’s even a pool with slides, which is perfect for keeping the little ones entertained. The award-winning spa facilities are brilliant with a range of treatments, sauna, and its own indoor and outdoor pools. There’s also a wellequipped fitness centre with a rooftop gym dedicated to building strength, endurance and agility.
The food and drinks
Be smart and book a half-board stay at this resort. From steakhouse eatery Porterhouse Steaks & Grills to the Moana seafood restaurant or casual dining at Maui overlooking the beach, you can dine somewhere different every day of your stay.
The room rates
Room rates for a luxury palm view room for two adults in December are priced around Dhs1,768 per night.
a Sofitel Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 455 6677. @sofiteldubaipalm
