Dreams of leaving cold behind

December 23, 2007|Real deals, Richard P. Carpenter, Globe Correspondent

Christmas is a time for warm thoughts. As we cherish the gift of friends and family, many of us also are thinking about destinations that make New England's snow and ice seem a distant dream. Some possibilities:

It's summer in Cape Town, where average temperatures range from the 60s to the 80s, November through March. For lovers of adventure and luxury, Cape Grace resort has a five-night Adventure Package for about $7,000 double occupancy. It includes a room with views of Table Mountain or the waterfront and breakfast daily; a skydive and abseil (rope descent) from the mountain; a helicopter transfer to Gansbaai for shark diving; a sunset cruise; a three-course dinner in the Shark Cage restaurant on the waterfront; a massage in the Spa at Cape Grace plus choice of a mini manicure or pedicure; unlimited use of the hot spa: mineral spa bath, rain shower and body shower, steam room, and sauna; whiskey tasting in Bascule Whisky Bar and Wine Cellar; a Cape Town history and wine presentation; cocktails and snack platter one evening; unlimited BMW transfers within central Cape Town; and airport transfers. If that is not enough, an extra $14,468 will get you a flight in a twin-engine two-seater supersonic interceptor called the English Electric Lightning. The offer is valid Jan. 6-April 30.

For resort information, call 011-27-21-410-7100 or visit cape grace.com.

Though not sweltering, Barcelona's winter temperatures hover in the 50s. TourCrafters has a $630 four-night package that includes round-trip airfare from Boston, accommodations at the three-star Hotel Covadonga, daily breakfast, and hotel service and taxes. The Catalan capital has become a celebrity magnet of late, and you will have a better chance of spotting a celeb if you stay at the five-star Meliá Barcelona, where package prices start at $780. The offer is valid Jan. 3-March 13.

Visit tourcrafters.com or call 800-482-5995.

Average winter temperatures in Sedona, Ariz., range from the mid-50s to mid-60s. Enchantment Resort in Sedona gets points merely for being surrounded by the red rock formations of Boynton Canyon. The resort has extended its Sedona Red Rock Renewal package, designed for up to four people, to Feb. 7. Included are four nights in a Casita guest room or junior suite, complimentary entry to Mii Amo Spa, one 60-minute private restorative yoga session for up to four people, full breakfast each morning in your room or at Yavapai restaurant, a Jeep tour of the historic area, and unlimited use of mountain bikes and tennis courts. Rates start at $440 per night.

Visit enchantmentresort.com/packages or call 800-826-4180.