Are you dragging your feet towards the end of the year, slogging it out at work and waiting for the Silly Season to arrive so you can let off some well-earned steam?
Why not lift the lid off the pressure cooker with an early Christmas treat and take yourself and your family on a well-deserved break – before the crowds hit!
Slip out of stress mode and put on your holiday hat with our helpful list of go-to destinations straight from the Villa Getaways favourites album. Take the sting out of the Christmas holiday countdown by heading to one of these easy-to-get-to destinations.
Beautiful Bali, Indonesia

Bali is one of Australia’s favourite destinations, with thousands of Aussies heading across the Timor Sea to this Indonesian island paradise every year. Our tropical neighbours are roughly 6 hours flying time from the eastern state capitals, unless you live in Darwin or Perth, then Bali is very close with a less than four-hour flight.
Visit your local travel agent or search online for the abundance of cheap flights, then head to your own private luxury villa in exotic locales such as Seminyak and Canggu to and Nusa Dua.
You’ll find well-priced airfares due to it being rainy season. Don’t let a few drops of water put you off, as once you arrive you’ll find that rainfall is never excessive. The only thing you won’t be able to do is a volcano trek because the ground is too slippery and soft.
There is so much to do in Bali, so who needs volcanoes when you can choose from surfing, swimming, beachside lazing, sipping cocktails at sunset or shopping for days? Enjoy fabulous local cuisine, immerse yourself into the feisty nightclub scene or head to a beach bar to relax and dance, chill and chat with Caipirinha in hand.
Villa Getaways has a large portfolio of stunning private Bali villas for you and your family and friends to enjoy.
Planning to travel with a group of friends? Read our Best Buddy Break article for travel inspiration!
Talk to the team about your perfect property today!
Magical Byron Bay, Northern NSW

As the weather heats up, prioritise some bikini action in the superb beachside destination of Byron Bay – before the summer crowds turn it into a carnival on the coast. Tourists from across the globe flock to this beautiful Northern NSW town to take part in the festival atmosphere, glorious ocean glimpses and pristine sandy stretches with many finding they never want to leave.
Byron casts a magical spell over all who enter this blissful beach town. Australia is full of fantastic surfing spots, so what is the Byron lure all about? The unique vibe of the town itself offers a combination of coastal surf culture blended with hinterland artistic types with a touch of rebellious city-dwellers who’ve taken their “sea change” to the next level.
While Byron is always busy, its appealing balmy weather, beautiful beaches, fine dining, sensational cafes and rowdy nightlife have seduced even the most sceptical. The alternative lifestyle appeal of Byron encases yoga retreats, organic fare, colourful markets, and original boutique style – all with a generous dollop of fresh, fierce, fun.
Sophistication & Sun in Noosa, Queensland

Noosa is proving to be incredible all year round with great weather and an array of activities to keep everyone happy, from the adventurous to those with relaxation in mind.
Luxury accommodation is plentiful so have a chat to the friendly Villa Getaways staff to secure your exclusive private digs. Noosa has some stunning environmental attractions, such as the Noosa River for boating, Noosa National Park for bushwalking and The North Shore, which is ideal for 4×4 driving.
Noosa is renowned for beautiful beaches, balmy temperatures and water you can swim in year-round. Surfers are drawn to the famous surf breaks, such as Sunshine Beach and Alexandria Bay beach breaks as well as Granite Bay, Tea Tree and Boiling Pot point breaks.
Many gastronomists head to Noosa for the spectacular array of restaurants, tipping the scales for fine dining along with a host of casual eateries utilising exceptional local produce. Make sure you head to Eumundi Markets to explore the local Sunshine Coast art, craft and culture.
Connect with Villa Getaways and discover a selection of exclusive wellness packages to add to your booking though our friends at Luxe Escapes Noosa for some serious R&R.
Image: Luxe Cruiser Experience, thanks to Luxe Escapes Noosa
Discover ‘Lost Paradise’ in Sri Lanka.

If you’re looking for something a little more exotic, Sri Lanka offers a traveller’s paradise with a mix of flavoursome foods, temperamental weather seasons and a welcoming friendly culture.
Located off the southeast coast of India, this island boasts a 2000-year-old culture, giving Unesco a run for its money having to stake out so many World Heritage Sites of ancient temples and legendary locations.
The island heartbeat is propelled by two distinct monsoon seasons. During November until April in the tropical southwest and hill country, tourists can enjoy dry days followed by balmy evenings with the odd rain shower. Outside these times, the monsoon season means heavy rainfall and overcast days are on the menu.
You’ll find the seasons transposed in the north, with the opposite weather patterns apparent. With verdant rainforests and lush green tea plantations, the high country has an adventurous appeal, ideal for trekking and mountain walks. Romantics can take the train and dive headfirst into the local culture.
Secluded beaches of pure white sand are of particular appeal in this luscious island location. Best of all you can enjoy world-class beaches and dive sites, without the world-weary crowds. Visit the oldest living tree, see herds of elephants in their natural setting or meditate in an ancient temple, the choice is yours!
At Villa Getaways we’re breathing new life into this destination and would love to show you around. View our range of inspiring Villas and talk to us today.
Words by Jennifer McCarthy @ JM Online Copywriting