Five amazing holiday rentals
Looking to get away for the Christmas period but have yet to book your accommodation? We look at the five amazing holiday rentals from around the world – so even if you’re staying put for this year, you can dream about next year’s vacation.
Hallen, Norway
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, this cottage in Norway is sure to catch your eye. Located by the lake, there are plenty of ski adventures waiting for its renters in the winter. Built in 1948, the house was restored in 2008 and includes an outdoor grill, television, DVD player, and running water, of course.
This three-bedroom cottage does not have internet connection, and is the perfect place for someone looking to truly get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Oslo is a 90-minute drive away, while the nearest grocer is 8km from the cottage. There’s a ski resort 17km away, too.
A six-night stay at the cottage will set you back about AUD1100.
Blencowe Hall, Cumbria, UK
An award-winning Grade 1 listed fortified manor, Blencowe Hall brings some old-world charm to the holiday season. It has recently undergone extensive renovations, bringing two embattled peele towers back into use for the first time in over three centuries.
Located in Blencowe, this holiday rental property is self-catering and is slightly over a mile from the village of Greystoke. Greystoke is home to a pub and a village shop for all your grocery needs. It is also pet-friendly – so if your pooch would like to enjoy this beautiful property as well, it is more than welcome to run around the extensive gardens and grounds.
Chalet Edelweiss
Holidaymakers wanting to splurge would be happy with Chalet Edelweiss in France, a seven-floor, eight-bedroom property that is a two-minute walk from the famous Courchevel 1850 ski resort.
With a private cinema, a 130 square metre nightclub complete with a DJ booth, dance floor and bar, a large fitness room, a double massage room and an unrivalled pool area, it is the perfect property for a getaway.
The super luxurious chalet even includes a reception area on the third level featuring beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and a master suite which includes two dressing rooms and a private lounge, which is accessible via lift or stairs.
An eight-night stay over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will set you back about AUD 500,000. The cost includes staff services and an in-resort driver, but food and other services will be additional costs.
White Cliffs Underground Motel
For those staying in Australia over Christmas and New Year’s but want to escape the heat – the White Cliffs Underground Motel may be an option. Located about 1200km from Sydney, the owners suggest breaking up the journey at Dubbo or Nyngan.
The motel is on Smith Hill – and the view includes what was once an underground sea, sunsets and sunrises, as well as a brilliant night sky that’s perfect for sungazing – guided by a local expert.
Three-course dinners are served in the dining room most nights, except on Saturday where wood-fired pizza is served, and Sundays are reserved for BBQ nights.
Best of all, the resort remains a cool 22-23 degrees celsius all year round, perfect for those who want to escape the 40 degree summer days!
Alila Uluwatu, Bali
If you've been dreaming of a slice of paradise that could be yours all year round, Alila Villas Uluwatu could just be the answer to your wishes.
Perched atop the world-famous Uluwatu cliffs in Bali, Indonesia, the Alila Uluwatu resort offers eco-friendly accommodation in five-star comfort. Choose from one-bedroom or three-bedroom villas overlooking rolling green hills or roaring waves, complete with an infinity pool and a butler to boot.
If a week or two in “paradise” is not long enough, you may choose to purchase your own villa. Make it an exclusive holiday sanctuary, release it into the rental pool managed by Alila Hotels and Resorts, or do a combination of both.
Villa owners benefit from unrestricted access to all the resort’s facilities and management services, so you can be rest assured your dream home is taken care of round the clock.
Rates during the Christmas period start from AUD745 a night.