2015 marks the twenty-fifth year the Jukkasjarvi village IceHotel has been in operation. The village of Jukkasjarvi comes alive each winter when the hotel is recreated by carving and chiselling out tons of snow and ice from the nearby Torne River - which is really as much an art installation as a novelty hotel.

I you are one of those that are willing to pay for an holiday experience where the cost is not an issue then we have found five that you would be interested in. Whatever you are interested in sun, snow or adrenaline rush adventure – with a bit of glamping. The locations include the Caribbean, Europe the southern hemisphere South Africa and New Zealand - as far as the South Pole.

Alta Badia is known for its food and as much as a skiing destination. The ski resort forms part of the South Tyrol Dolomiti Superski ski region but in addition to its skiing reputation the valley has taken the combination of skiing and food to the next level making it a must visit winter destination. The Alta Badia valley is made of six picturesque alpine villages: Corvana (1550m), Colfosco (1650m), LaVilla (1430m), San Cassiano (1540m), Badia (1320m) and La Val (1350m).

Kyoto has distinguish itself as a must see destination for anyone visiting Japan to experience more than a century of culture. Kyoto alone has 17 World Heritage Sites, these include Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo Castle.  The sheer number of breathtakingly beautiful shrines and temples, the Tamba Mountains, tranquil Japanese gardens, traditional tea houses, fantastic food, colourful festivals and everything you would expect to find in a modern, vibrant, futuristic city are what makes this former capital of Japan (before Tokyo) a destination that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam, a pretty village-like city with a huge reputation, needs little introduction.  Holland’s capital city has something for everyone –leafy canals, cute cafes and bustling bars.  One of Amsterdam’s biggest draws, though, is it world-famous Museum District, home to the renowned Rijksmuseum.  It reopened last year after a dazzling decade-long refurbishment and is currently showcasing its first permanent photography exhibition, displaying more than 400 images from the twentieth century.

South America shines in the winter sun Uruguary is its warm heart. Looking at the map, there seems little reason to head to this classic buffer state, sandwiched between the beachside delights of Brazil and Argentina’s steak-and-style swagger.  But it is the way that this fiercely independent nation, whose spirit is epitomised in its fanatically followed football team, combines the best of its neighbours in a far more easily digestible package that makes it irresistible.  If you want a short, sharp hit of the best of Latin America then you’ve come to the right place.

Italy’s most northernly region, South Tyrol (also known as Sudtirol) is one of the country’s most enticing area for winter sports fans.  Its home to the world’s largest fully interconnected ski area, the Dolomiti Superski (1200km) and the world’s second largest interconnected ski area around the Sella Ronda (500km), skiers and boarders can feel that they can ski forever from one cosy village to another, always with the spectacular pale limestone and sedimentary rock cliff formation of the Dolomites towering dramatically above.

A ski break in Les Contamines-Montjoie is a road less travelled by popular winter holiday operators and skiers alike.  I have to admit it is a break on the quiet side unlike the après-ski resorts around Mont Blanc i.e. Chamonix but don’t let this put you off.  Les Contamines has its own charm, first it has the white stuff in abundance along with its 120km of serene piste and rolling hills of untouched powder.  Little known of this charming resort even though it is only an hour’s drive from Geneva, the Swiss capital to Mont Blanc.

Don't be fooled into thinking the Great Ocean Road is just a strip of tarmac. Not only is this 151 mile road the world's longest war memorial, it is the backbone of Victoria and has the added bonus of being one of the greatest drives on the planet.  The Great Ocean Road whips up a heady mix of natural wonders. Jaw-dropping sunsets, imposing cliffs, huge waves crashing against the points, Postcard picture villages, and elusive koala all feature in a day or two's drive.  The mixture of sea salt and gum trees even gives the road itw own unique smell.

Anyone brought up on a diet of Australian soap operas and hospital dramas may be a little shell-shocked when they arrive in Melbourne. Soulful, stylish and clued up, this is a streetwise city that is at odds with the stereotypical vision of Australia.  In 2000, Melbourne trailed Sydney as the leading city for cafes, bars and nightclubs.  But, the city has climb back on top with good cafe culture and diverse nightlife, some of the best in Australia.