Christmas for 3 very different people

hunnymonster

We usually have big family christmas' but this year, it looks like it will be just 3 of us. We were thinking of heading away in order to avoid sitting staring at each other for a week. The problem is that we are very different
1: very sporty, not a drinker, would like sun
2: sporty, enjoys a few pints,
3: 60, smoker & drinker, hates sport & loves shopping.

We have no idea where to go. Just need 3-4 days but budget would be about €800 per person. Does anyone have any ideas what kind ob break we should be looking at.
Thanks in advance. I'll put in a good word with Mr Claus for the boards boys and girls with good advice (if not good behaviour!)

Imposter

What about a ski resort?
Sporty: Skiing, swimming, ice-skating...
Shopping: Just choose the right place!
Sun: Maybe
Drink: Yep.
Other: Spa resorts so massages and the like - for the lazy shopping types :pac:

3-4 days might be hard to book though (most will want you to book a week) - although it might be possible depending on how the days fall.

How Strange

how about Seville? AFAIK, it is mild and sunny there in winter.

I don't know how sporty it would be but if you stayed in hotel with a pool you could swim and I'm sure there are parks for running.

It would suit the shopper and drinker(s) but wouldn't be as painful as being a non-drinker in a resort surrounded by people getting p1ssed every night.

hunnymonster

Thanks for the replies.

Skiing came up as an option be we didn't think there would be enough for the drunken shopper to do. Might look into the spa's aspect though as the other two would love skiing.

I love Seville, but know it too well for it to work for this trip. Would thourally recommend it to anyone else though. Someone else suggested Lanzarote (more because of the sports). Does anyone know how completely Spain closes down over christmas?

ibh

Lanzarote doesn't reall close down over Xmas at all. Good for sports and sun but not sure about shopping, but the drink is cheap so the drunken shopper will prob think it's ok.

If you could get a really good deal or stretch your budget a little then i would head for Cape Town. I spent Xmas and new years there and it was brilliant. It was warm, there was loads of kite surfing and surfing not too far away and there were sh!it loads of huge shopping places and were very cheap.
You could spend a little extra going there cause it is very cheap to get by while you're there.
Lots of threads on SA already, but definately check out the prices.

mel123

For a budget like that your prob best bet would be one of the Canaries. Id suggest Tenerife or Gran Canaria (in particular Puerto Rico). Ur nearly guarenteed the sun, you've got all the water sports along the beaches - jet-ski's, bananna boat (not really a water sport), para-gliding etc. Puerto Rico is quite hilly, so if the 60 year old is not in good health then it may not be a good idea, altho taxis are very cheap in these places. These places wouldnt close down at Christmas. Altho the only shopping would be the regular type of tourist shops, perfume shops, gift shops, markets all this kind of thing. If your only going for 4 days tho the flights might be quite expensive as of the timing. I went to Tenerife last year, and in about November, Ryanair had a sale and the flights were considerably less than what i paid, but thats the risk you take i suppose. In Tenerife i would suggest Los Cristianos area, its for the more mature as opposed to Americas which is a much younger crowd.

paddylonglegs

Yep,Lanzarote would suit i reckon.Chrimbo in Puerto Del Carmen is regarded as a "quiet" peak time if you know what I mean, I'd say you should look into booking flights now though as they tend to go up quickly fir that time of year

tdp-carol

I once spent Christmas on the Costa del Sol, not far from Torremolinos. I had imagined Torremolinos to be a bit ghastly, but it wasn't. Also the area around the town is v pleasant for walking.

You have drinking, shopping, nightlife, walks along the beach and prom, water sports, swimming.

Might fit the bill?

In winter it's sunny but not too hot.