Exploring the World’s Best Frozen Landscapes and Cities
Each season offers something different and enjoyable. People often focus all their holidays on the summer months but winter is a great time to explore, too. Whether it’s for skiing or to take in the natural beauty of a Nordic landscape, you’ll find the perfect way to enjoy winter for everyone.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Even during the cold winter, this city is a wealth of opportunity for activities, great food and luxury experiences. Whether you have your trip itinerary planned to perfection or are at a complete loss, our Simplexity Travel Managers can suggest, organise, plan and action your whole trip, from start to finish.
Reykjavik is Iceland’s capital and has become a rather trendy hot spot to visit in recent years. This coastal city has much to offer with its 1000-year history, vibrant nightlife and striking architecture. One of its most famous sights is (The Pearl). Situated on the hill Öskjuhlíð, the rotating Perlan glass dome offers breath-taking views of the sea and hills. The top floor has an excellent restaurant that offers the finest in dining, and the award-wining mixologist Bardur Gudlaugsson offers some excellent cocktails in the intimate Perlan Bar.
Located in one of the most volcanically active places on Earth, the Volcano House lets you learn about the amazing geography of Iceland. A TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2015 winner, The Volcano House exhibition offers some hands-on geology. You can hold lava from the 2014 eruption of Bárðabunga and pick up ash from the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull.
Nightlife in Rekyavik is not vast like that of London or New York, but it has much to offer. Most of the bars are situated in and around the main shopping street; Laugavegur. With the bars all in close proximity, you can bar hope in as little as ten seconds.
offers guests a stay in Art Deco opulence. Located in the centre of Rekyavik, overlooking the square of Austurvöllur across from Althingi, the Icelandic parliament and the cathedral. Accompanying the decadent surroundings is the Borg Spa. The spa offers guess the chance to relax and unwind in premium luxury. Treatments available include a hot tub, steam bath, sauna and gym. The perfect warm-up after enjoying the great Icelandic outdoors
Rekyavik’s Hotel Holt is a small, boutique hotel located in the city centre. With an atmosphere of ‘quiet elegance’ all rooms and public areas feature art by some of Iceland’s most famous artists. Hotel Holt houses Iceland´s largest privately owned art collection, giving a unique atmosphere, whilst the Holt’s ‘Best Restaurant in Iceland 2012’ winning restaurant stimulates your taste buds.
New York City, USA
New York is a popular travel destination throughout the year, but in winter, the Big Apple takes on a whole new look and feel. With New York weather often reaching very cold temperatures, you can usually expect snow, giving a festive dressing of white to the city. ‘The Holidays’ begins after Thanksgiving and are marked with an annual Christmas Tree lighting at The Rockefeller Centre. The 70ft pine resplendent in lights and baubles is a must-see of the city during the festive period. New York City is one of the world’s major shopping destinations and Christmas gives the shopping experience an added air of excitement. Take in the famous window displays of Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel on 5fth Avenue or head over to Barney’s in Madison Avenue.
Skating in Central Park is a long and well established activity in NYC. You can glide gently across the white ice as you take in the majestic skyline. A few circuits around the Wollman Rink are certain to give a healthy flush to your cheeks.
The Rockettes are a must-see. Come to Radio City Music Hall for a good old-fashioned high-kicking chorus line good time.
As with all big cities, there are hundreds of activities to do and things to see. If you’re too overwhelmed, our Simplexity Travel Manager can advise and plan your trip, making sure you get the most out of your experience.
The Beekman Hotel is one of New York’s most exceptional landmarks. Located within the centre of Lower Manhattan’s thriving Downtown, this majestic Thomson Hotel is steeped in architectural splendour and old New York style. The Beekman’s Premium King room boasts high ceilings, custom king bed, bespoke and vintage furnishings, aged oak floors, craft cocktail table and a spacious marble bath.
The hotel’s chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio gives you a great taste of refined NYC dining in grand surroundings.
‘Traveller’s Choice 2016’ winner Hotel Giraffe offers ‘relaxed luxury’. Located on the corner of Park Avenue South and 26th Street, the hotel specialises in an urban oasis experience for business and pleasure. A classic guestroom with king size bed offers a 10ft ceiling, antique-rose velveteen upholstered chairs, original photographs from the 1920s and 1930s. The linens are chic and contemporary, off-set by chocolate leather headboards and pearlized platinum wall décor.
Jukkasjärvi village, Sweden
For travellers who really want a seasonal experience, why not try the world’s first ice hotel? Opened in 1989, the Ice Hotel is reborn in a new design each winter, in Sweden’s Jukkasjärvi village, 200 km north of the Article Circle. Northern Sweden is arguably the best place to see the Northern Lights because it lies under the auroral oval and enjoys clear skies more often than many coastal regions. Ice Hotel is a prime location for experiencing the aurora borealis, or northern lights.
ICEHOTEL365’s permanent structure includes luxury suites with sauna and bathroom, and art suites, all sculptured by selected artists. Looking for something cold? Then why not have a glass of crisp champagne in the ice bar as you gaze at the ice gallery. This ice experience can be visited throughout the year as it’s cooled by solar panels during the summer. ICEHOTEL 365 opens mid-November 2016.
Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Avid skiers will relish the amenities available at British Columbia’s Whistler Village. The world-famous skiing activities of Whistler and the Blackcomb Mountains include over 8,100 acres of snow-covered slopes, 16 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, world-class terrain parks and over 200 marked trails. If all the winter sports get too much why not unwind with après ski. Re-fuel and recharge with a post-ski drink in one of the classic, fancy or craft beer après ski lodges. After your ski and drink why not try one of the many eateries in Whistler Village. Choose from fine French dining, meat and potatoes through to pizza and gastro food. If you’d like a more structured itinerary or just more ideas for things to see and do in Whistler Village, then get in touch with one of Simplexity’s Travel Managers. They will find out exactly what you are looking for from your trip and will make bespoke travel arrangements for you.
Whistler Village has excellent luxury star rated hotels. One of the most prestigious is Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Situated at the base of the Blackcomb Mountains, the Fairmount blends classic elegance with a modern alpine setting. The award-winning Whistler hotel showcases exceptional dining and full on-site amenities in the hotel’s Health Club. A wonderful winter getaway.
Experience one of the Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Canada as voted by Trip Advisor with a stay at Nita Lake Lodge. This luxurious boutique hotel offer tranquil views of a lake, valley or mountains. Located in Whistler Creek, the Nita Lake Lodge is the perfect place to stay for both a post and pre-skiing. A king size bedroom boasts a gas fireplace and a luxurious double soaker bathtub. Perfect for unwinding after a day’s skiing.
For advice on any of the above and much more, please contact one of our experts today on 0203 535 9290 or write to us here. We will help all snow lovers arrange the trip of a lifetime, any time.