Take me there: South Tyrol, Italy
Why go?
Shunted between Italy and Austria for decades, this province offers an intriguing blend of cultures – think linguini meets lederhosen. Even if skiing's not your thing, the Alpine scenery, spas and fabulous food make for a compelling winter break.
What to do
Dobbiaco in the pristine Alta Pusteria region is a perfect base for winter activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and horse-drawn sleigh rides (three-peaks.info). Soothe away aches in a hay bath at the Hotel Heubad in Fiè allo Sciliar (hotelheubad.com). Pay a visit to "Ötzi man", a Neolithic mummy beautifully presented at the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano (iceman.it).
Where to eat
At the popular Vögele in Bolzano try Tyrolean specialities such as goulash, dumplings and apple strudel (voegele.it). The minimalist Tilia in Dobbiaco has just won a Michelin star (tilia.bz).
Where to stay
The Schatzerhütte, a lovely mountain rifugio near Bressanone, offers rustic accommodation and extraordinary food (schatzerhuette.com). For high design and a Zen-like spa, there's the Vigilius Mountain Resort (vigilius.it/en).
Insider tip
Birgit Senoner, owner of the Hotel Tyrol in Val di Funes, suggests hiking the Adolf Munkel Trail (suedtirol.info): "In winter the rocks are covered with snow and nature appears untouched."
Give me a break
Home: Scottish mountain retreat Save 25% on a stay in a cosy woodland cabin on the shores of Loch Tay in the Highlands. A three-night weekend break during February or March will cost £240 – a saving of £80. The cabins boast mountain views and woodburners, and on the doorstep are such rugged activities as cycling along great bike trails and salmon fishing (watersidebreaks.com).
Away: Traditional Spanish trek If the ancient pilgrim path of Camino de Santiago is on your to-do list for 2014, save 10% by booking before 31 December with specialist operator CaminoWays.com. Holidays start from €489pp for the classic seven-day walk – or even cycle ride – from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, covering the last 111km of the Camino (caminoways.com).
