Sassy Savings for Festive Getaways

There are certain times of year when half the world seems to go on holiday and you can’t find a room at the inn without promising your right arm as payment! The month or so around Christmas and New Year is one of those times, but luckily boutique travel experts Mr & Mrs Smith have done all the hard work to find three special holiday offers at hotels in Bali, New York and Fez during the festive season.

Ametis Villa, Bali, Indonesia

Style Tropical-luxe hideaway
Setting Canggu attitude

For sophistication away from the madding crowd of Kuta, Smith suggests Ametis Villa in Bali near surfers’ favourite Canggu Beach. Each of the 14 breezy pavilions has serious contemporary style, its own pool and 24-hour butler service.

Take a table for two on the terrace of Eternal restaurant for Balinese specialties such as the udang kapit (prawns with ginger, coconut and chilli), created from the freshest local ingredients. There’s also the chance to refresh at Ruby Spa, which offers Zen healing and wellness practices. Should you feel the need to explore the area, your butler can organise activities from trekking to cycling, or you can jump the shuttle into Seminyak and indulge in some shopping.

SASSY SAVING: Stay two nights or more in an Imperial Villa and save 35%; also included is breakfast, a 30-minute massage, welcome cocktail, afternoon tea, sunset cocktail and canapés, minibar with soft drinks and beer, personal butler service, private return airport transfers and a shuttle service to Seminyak.

Ace Hotel New York, New York, United States

Style Rock ’n’ roll retro
Setting Midtown flower district

Get into the creative vibe at NYC boutique bolthole Ace Hotel New York, where music sets the scene in the rooms. Each one boasts a Gibson guitar, iPod dock, Music Hall Radio and striking individual art on the walls and some even have a retro turntable and records.

There are some serious gourmet chops on display at their nose-to-tail philosophy restaurant The Breslin, run by April Bloomfield of Spotted Pig fame. Portland coffee purveyors Stumptown provide the beans for the hotel, plus there’s the John Dory, a casual seafood bar/restaurant, and sandwich bar No.7 Sub Shop. Of course, this is midtown Manhattan, so you can always walk to the theatre district or Times Square, plus there’s a subway stop just around the corner. Rock on!

SASSY SAVING: Sassy readers on a budget can snap up must-book ‘Winter in New York’ deals at Ace Hotel New York during January (Sundays to Thursdays only), when Mini Rooms are US$99 a night and Small Rooms are US$129.

Palais Amani, Fez, Morocco

Style Historic hammam hideaway
Setting Souk-side in the medina

Although located on a bustling medina street, the superbly restored riad Palais Amani boutique hotel in Fez is a serene hideaway. The 14 rooms all offer contemporary finishes against a historic backdrop of mosaics, PLUS plenty of space for frolicking. Particularly divine is the vast Grand Suite, with its stained-glass windows that look over the garden.

When you’ve explored (and exhausted yourself in!) the nearby souks, book a hammam treatment at the spa. Later kick back with cocktails on the rooftop terrace – its views over the ancient city are quite awe-inspiring. The restaurant serves melt-in-the-mouth tagines and other local delicacies.

SASSY SAVING: Book for three nights at Palais Amani and only pay for two, including breakfast.

To book a stylish Smith stay visit www.mrandmrssmith.com or call the expert Travel Team on 800 905 326. What’s more, BlackSmith membership is now free for life, so book through Smith to receive life-enhancing extras and exclusive offers at more than 900 hotels and holiday houses around the world.