Christmas Wishes by Melissa Vinelli

 I’ve decided to treat myself to two weeks in the Austrian mountains as a belated Christmas present (to myself!) so that I can truly get my fill of snow and mulled wine; I’m booked in to stay at both the Jagdgut Wachelhof and Bentleys House. I booked through the Club of SLH as usual and they couldn’t have been more helpful with booking both hotels and transfers in between. I’m now an official ‘Honoured member’ so I even got an extra night stay and upgrade! Can’t wait to get to the mountains now, the powder is calling to me.

Where to spend Christmas is an annual dilemma for me; I can never decide whether I want to fully embrace the festive spirit decorating the tree and indulging in one too many glasses of sherry or if I just want to escape it all somewhere sunny and return with glowing skin once the madness is over. What would you suggest?

While my Christmas plans are currently at a stand-still, my Christmas shopping however has taken off marvellously thanks to the new SLH Gift Vouchers. They’re gorgeously presented and there are lots of options, so this year all my family and friends are going to be getting either a gourmet, spa or honeymoon break – lucky them! My personal favourite is the gourmet certificate that I chose for my godmother who thinks herself as a bit of a Delia in-the-making – I think trying out the Indonesian market and cooking lessons at The Balé in Indonesia would be right up her street. These vouchers are my top tip for those who have left Christmas shopping to the last minute, or if you cannot face the shops at this time of year. Check them out - www.slh.com/gift-certificates