Katy Holland: Painless New Year getaways

Are we there yet? Get away from it all for the New Year

Doing anything special for New Year? If the mere thought of it makes you want to crawl back into bed until it's all over, may I suggest a more enjoyable alternative: run away?

Honest, it works a treat. You just book a break, grab the kids and come home when it's all over. There's lots to be said for letting someone else do all the work.

Take the lovely people at Retallack (01637 882400; retallackresort.com ), a five-star Cornish retreat where they're offering a jolly decent New Year package: three nights in one of their stylish lodges costs from £550 per family, with champagne and fruit cocktails thrown in. Take advantage of the free bike hire, pool, spa and mini golf course, then make a dash to nearby Padstow for the fireworks. You'll also get free entry to the Eden Project, where the whole family can spend New Year's Day ice skating.

If a sparkling Hogmanay Ball is more your style, check out the Crieff Hydro Hotel in Perthshire (01764 655555; crieffhydro.com ) where there's an all-night dinner dance going down (childcare provided) as well as a glittering talent contest open to all the family. Prices start at £690 for three nights per adult, all inclusive.

If you really fancy pushing the boat out, book a suite at the magnificent Ickworth Hotel, Suffolk (01284 735350; ickworthhotel.co.uk ), where you'll be so well cared for that you won't want to come home. Their three-night New Year break (£975 for adults and £220 for kids 2-12 years) includes gala dinners, cinema clubs and loads of activities. With all that going on, the last place you'll want to be is under your duvet.