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A snow-capped Christmas in Nepal

FRESH AIR IN Kathmandu. If you’re right in the centre of town that commodity can often feel a little out of reach. However, venture 20 minutes outside the city and the Gokarna Forest Resort offers a tranquil haven from the hustle and bustle of the charming Himalayan conurbation.

And what better place to spend Christmas? Can you imagine waking up on the day, drawing back the curtains to take in the breathtaking mountain and woodland views?

The resort has 100 rooms located inside the 740-acre Gokarna Forest, the former private Royal hunting grounds of the Kings of Nepal. A winding road leads through the forest up to the main complex, comprising a mix of Malla period architecture, Rana period lodges, and sanctuaries. Further on exotic Forest view rooms are set besides a century old restored Hunter’s lodge. A quiet retreat set amongst ancient towering trees, the hotel also provides a getaway for a few days of golf, relaxation and rejuvenation at the spa, enchanting forest walks, and time close to nature.

A certified ‘Eco Hotel of the World,’ the Gokarna is currently the only property in Nepal to have earned this recognition.

Aside from relaxing, playing 18 holes or indulging yourself in the Harmony Spa, other activities within or close to the resort include: bird watching, forest walks and secluded picnics within the jungle-like environment. The Gokarna has recently launched horse riding treks and golf cart safaris.

The Gokarna Forest is also home to many sacred sites, including the Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir next to the Hunter’s Lodge. A Bandevi temple is located deep in the forest above the 6^th fairway. This shrine is dedicated to the goddess of forests. Just outside the resort is Gokarneshwor Mahadev Temple, the second oldest temple in the Kathmandu the Valley.

Whilst in Kathmandu, an Everest mountain flight is an activity not to be missed. The experience of this one-hour adventure, viewing the tallest mountains on earth, leaves travellers completely awestruck. Multiple flights are available every day of the week.

Back on the ground, the Bouddhanath, amongst the largest stupas in South Asia and also know as ‘Little Tibet’ having become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism, is definitely worth a look. This is as well as the Swayambhu or Monkey Temple.

If you’re all templed out, Kathmandu is home to hundreds of wonderful restaurants. The national dish, momos, or dumplings, are stupendous and the best examples are found in the very cheap Yangling eatery in Thamel, or the ultra swanky Dwarika’s Hotel.

For Gokarna Forest Resort reservations, visit www.gokarna.com. Air Arabia has daily flights to Kathmandu

>Great Getaways

We bring you some of the best travel destinations of the season

Amari Hotels, Thailand

Bring the magic of Christmas alive this festive season in Thailand with Amari Phuket and Amari Orchid Pattaya’s special festive packages, valid from December 20 until early January 2014.

Amari festive packages are perfect for families travelling with little ones ready to enjoy a bit of Christmas sparkle with relaxation, sumptuous feasts and an abundant array of added value.

For families looking for a bubbly tropical escape, Amari Orchid Pattaya offers contemporary designed rooms and suites, exuberant dining options and blissful rejuvenation at the resort’s Breeze Spa. Set amidst beautifully manicured gardens at the northern end of Pattaya Bay, Amari Orchid Pattaya’s festive package includes: three nights stay in the Deluxe Tower, complimentary upgrade to Deluxe Ocean View rooms, daily buffet breakfast, a 4-course Mantra discovery dinner with dishes from the signature restaurant’s various open kitchens, ranging from Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Western cuisine, welcome chocolates and bubbly, and complimentary fruit juices, soft drinks, tea and coffee at the resort’s Horizon Club at any time of the day.

Visit: www.amari.com

Corinthia Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic

The Corinthia Hotel Prague invites guests from the GCC to make the most of their stay in one of Europe’s most resplendent cities with the hotel’s exclusive package “Best of Prague” designed to delight holiday seekers with architecture and culture.

The hotel has arranged complimentary tickets for a selection of the city’s top attractions so that guests have a chance to see a different side of the city each day. Leisure seekers have an array of attractions to choose from, ranging from the Old Town Hall, one of the most striking buildings in the city or the Zizkov Tower, a monument of Prague’s communist architecture, where one can climb to the top of the tower and experience stunning views across the old town square and the city.

The package starts from Euros 84 per room per night. Visit: www.corinthia.com

Dusit International

Dusit International offers guests a stay to remember with a number of seasonal promotions across its international hotels and resorts.

Book a traditional Christmas dinner at Dusit Thani Bangkok’s Hamilton’s Steakhouse or enjoy a sumptuous seaside buffet at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket while the sun sets over the Andaman Sea. Enjoy the last hours of 2013 at dusitD2 Baraquda Pattaya’s Blue Masquerade Gala Dinner and toast to the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display. Or treat yourself to a seasonal getaway to locations such as the Maldives, Abu Dhabi or Changzhou with accommodation packages starting at 1,890 THB per night.

Visit: www.dusit.com/magicalseason

Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa

December marks a distinctive time of the year where the festive season provides ample opportunities for families and loved ones to get together, feast on traditional Christmas favourites and celebrate the success of an old year while preparing resolutions for the new. This December, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa has planned sophisticated occasions for all the family, friends and loved ones to gather and enjoy traditional dishes from all over the world, cherish the special occasion together and go into the New Year with those close to the heart. With the Arabian Gulf’s panoramic views in the background and its five star hospitality charms, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea and Spa welcomes all for festivities with a special touch.

Visit: www.sofitel.com

Cebu Pacific

The Philippines’ largest carrier, Cebu Pacific Air offers direct daily flights between Manila and Dubai for as low as Dhs349. Cebu Pacific’s newest Airbus A330 service also offers Ceb Air wifi, hot meals and the fastest connectivity to or from any Philippine destination.

Visit: www.cebupacificair.com

British Airways

This December, British Airways is giving travellers from the Emirates the opportunity to explore Europe, by launching a sale to all destinations in the UK and Europe, which will run until December 31.

As part of British Airways’ special December fares, customers can fly from the UAE to over 75 destinations in the UK and Europe starting from as little as Dhs2,635 in World Traveller, Dhs4,475 in World Traveller Plus, Dhs10,995 in Club World, and Dhs21,495 in First.

Visit: www.ba.com