Fashioned out of stone and harnessing the beauty of natural labyrinths, the world's most stunning cave and cliffside hotels will carve themselves a place in your imagination too.
If seaside resorts hold no appeal in the winter, you could try the romantic setting of Cappadocia. Winter can be fierce in this part of Turkey, but you will definitely be protected from the elements in the depth of these cave hotels, furnished to satisfy the most demanding customers. Yunak Evleri in Urgüp combines six cave houses, 27 rooms from the 5th and 6th centuries and a 19th century Greek Mansion, all tastefully decorated with kilims and handcrafted furniture. Bathroom fixtures, luckily, are from the 21st century: rooms either include a Swedish stream jet shower or a Jacuzzi. CD players are also available, as well as a collection of CDs to choose from. Room rates range from $120 for a standard double room to $140 for a deluxe room and $180 for a suite, inclusive of breakfast and vat. Although no special celebrations are planned for New Year's Eve, the hotel serves homemade Turkish cuisine for $15 per person. (Tel: (0384) 341 69 20; www.yunak.com)