If you prefer your active pursuits to take place in the surf rather than on the slopes, you don’t have to head for a tropical beach to ride some waves in the winter months. The rugged Cornish coast becomes all the more dramatic when the temperature drops and the crowds dispel, with quieter coves to discover. And – for those who know what they’re doing – improved surf conditions (though you will likely want to invest in a thicker wetsuit and make sure to pack a robe and a flask to cosy up the instant you’re back on dry land).

Stay here: within the wild dunes of the west coast, Three Mile Beach is a collection of luxurious beach houses in St Ives Bay. The private, self-catering properties each have their own open-plan kitchen (although a chef can be booked to take care of mealtimes) and living spaces, and, better still, a warming log burner and wrap-around terrace featuring a sunken hot tub and steaming barrel sauna. If you don’t have your own kit, wetsuits and boards can be delivered straight to the door.

threemilebeach.co.uk

The celestial phenomenon of the aurora borealis is one of the most wondrous spectacles to behold, and the best time to chase them is between the months of September and April. While there are many places you can try your luck with when trying to find this feat of nature, an off-the-beaten path of northern Iceland’s Troll Peninsula makes for scenery as heart-skippingly cinematic as the illuminations themselves.

Stay here: a transformed former sheep farm deep in the Fljót Valley, Deplar Farm specialises in off-grid adventure: whale watching, off-road fat biking, snowshoeing, hiking and snowmobiling are just some of the high-octane activities on offer here. Back in the plush comfort of the lodge, there is a geothermal-heated indoor/outdoor pool, Isopod flotation tanks and an outdoor Viking sauna – which could just be the best seats in the house should the Northern Lights put on a well-timed display.

elevenexperience.com

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, might not top the usual city-break lists – but its beautifully preserved medieval old town, hearty Nordic dining scene, creative charms and restorative sauna culture means it certainly deserves to. A wander among the cobbled streets and colourful gingerbread-esque houses, beneath church bell towers and red-tiled roofs, is so enchanting that it wouldn’t feel amiss if people burst into live-action-style song. And, come December, the festive market is one of Europe’s most magical.

Stay here: the Schlössle Hotel, with just 23 rooms, is set in the heart of Tallinn’s quaint old town, on a cobblestone street lined with 13th-century former merchant houses. Traditional features of dark beams and stone walls, alongside antique furnishings, mean the interior is as imbued with history and charm as the Unesco-recognised area that you’ll find outside its door.

schlosslehotel.com

Festivals are not solely a summer activity. Slovenia’s mesmerizingly picturesque capital of Ljubljana becomes even more dazzling in the festive period, with the celebrations lighting up the small, river-parted city. The new year is traditionally marked with the Winter Festival, when a programme of classical music concerts featuring local and international artists takes over various venues around town. And, moreover, a wintery river boat tour, beneath characterful bridges and with the glow of the castle towering above, is a stunning way to see the sights.

Stay here: the AS Boutique Hotel is a cool, design-led and art-filled property in the historic part of town. The rooms have sleek balconies and the most desirable have impressive castle views. But the best spot of all is the rooftop sun deck, complete with a hot tub (open between March and November) and an unspoilt perspective of the castle.

ashotel.si

Taking to the mountains doesn’t have to mean rushing up and down the slopes. The snow-covered peaks of the Austrian Alps might be best known for world-renowned skiing, but there is much more to their allure than that, with a plethora of ways to maximise a refreshing, sky-high perspective – whether you are in the mood for something fast-paced or peaceful.

Stay here: at eriro, an ultra-boutique new opening, the 1,550m-high vantage point (accessible by cable car) gives plenty of opportunity to relish and immerse yourself in the wilderness that encircles the nine-bedroom hotel. There is a rejuvenating spa which opens directly onto the mountainside, while activities include guided hikes and biking, as well as outdoor meditations, crafting, and even having a go at yodelling – a time-honoured tradition of the region.

eriro.at