The last two months of the year are usually when everyone starts looking at the calendar a little more closely. There are festive breaks to plan, family trips to squeeze in, and those final few days of leave that need to be used before the year ends.
Planning a getaway around public holidays can help you make the most of your annual leave. Here are the key dates to keep in mind when planning your next break.
Diwali falls on Sunday this year, but taking Friday, November 6, off gives you a convenient three-day break. Lonavala and Alibaug are ideal for a quick getaway, while Goa offers beaches, restaurants, and a change of scenery.
If you’re choosing Lonavala for a short festive break, explore our guide to things to do in Lonavala to plan a mix of scenic outings and time at your villa.
Lonavala: Trisara
An event-friendly villa suited to families and groups looking to spend the festive weekend together.
Alibaug: Ushta Villa
An event-friendly option for a private coastal getaway with family or friends.
Goa: Estate de Alinthea
A luxury villa in Siolim for a festive break combining a private pool, dining, and time exploring North Goa.
Take Monday, November 23, off to enjoy a four-day break. This is a good opportunity for a longer holiday, whether you prefer Goa’s coastline or Coonoor’s cooler hill setting.
Goa: Estate de Alinthea
Located in Siolim, this luxury villa accommodates up to 10 guests across four bedrooms and features a private pool, pool table, complimentary breakfast, and Wi-Fi.
Goa: Serao Villas — Luma Collection
Located in Moira, this three-bedroom villa accommodates up to six guests and offers a private pool, alongside access to community amenities including a gym, pickleball court and coffee bar.
Coonoor: Albany Cottage
An event-friendly hill retreat for families and groups looking to combine a villa stay with tea-estate visits and time outdoors.
Christmas gives you a straightforward three-day weekend without using annual leave. Choose Coonoor for a festive hill escape or Goa for a coastal Christmas with beach visits and dinners together.
If you’re planning a livelier New Year break, check out our guide to the best places to explore Goa’s nightlife for ideas beyond your villa stay.
Coonoor: Albany Cottage
A four-bedroom villa accommodating up to 10 guests, with a private garden and options for experiences such as barbecues and bonfires.
Coonoor: Amani Villas — Luma Collection
Three-bedroom villas for smaller groups, with amenities including a glasshouse cafeteria and mini amphitheatre.
Goa: Villa Clara, Mandrem
A four-bedroom villa accommodating up to 10 guests, with a private pool. Its location in Mandrem makes it a good base for combining Christmas celebrations with North Goa’s beaches, cafés and restaurants.
Thursday, December 31 – Sunday, January 3
Take Thursday, December 31, off and combine it with New Year’s Day on Friday for a four-day break. Goa is ideal for travellers who want restaurants, beach clubs and nightlife, while Coonoor suits those looking for a more relaxed start to the year.
Goa: Amora Villa F, Moira
A private villa in North Goa for a group looking to celebrate together while staying within reach of the area’s restaurants, beaches and nightlife.
Goa: Serao Villas — Luma Collection
A more accessible private-villa option in Moira for smaller groups who prefer a quieter setting away from the busiest party areas.
Coonoor: Amani Villas Collection
A collection of private villas for a New Year getaway with family or friends, offering a scenic hill setting for a relaxed celebration away from the coastal crowds.
The best destination depends on how much time you actually have.
For two to three days: Choose somewhere easy to reach. Lonavala and Alibaug work well from Mumbai and Pune, while nearby hill or coastal destinations can keep travel time manageable.
For three to four days: This is where Goa and Coonoor become more appealing. You have enough time to settle into the destination rather than spending the entire trip travelling.
For a group holiday: A private villa can make more sense than booking multiple hotel rooms. You get shared living spaces, a private pool in select homes and the flexibility to spend most of the holiday together.
For a festive family break: Coonoor is particularly suited to a slower Christmas or New Year getaway, while Goa gives you more options for dining, beaches and going out.
Please note: These are some of the busiest travel weeks of the year. We recommend booking early, as villas with larger capacities and convenient locations tend to fill up quickly, so make sure to book your stay well in advance.
The most useful breaks are around Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 24, Christmas on December 25, and New Year, when a day of leave can extend the break significantly. Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, so taking Friday, November 6, off can create a three-day weekend.
For a short break from Mumbai or Pune, Lonavala and Alibaug are convenient. For a longer festive getaway, Goa and Coonoor offer more scope to turn the trip into a proper holiday.
For families and groups, a private villa can be particularly convenient. You can stay together, share common spaces, and plan meals and celebrations around the property rather than coordinating multiple hotel rooms.
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