Put those unused holiday days to good use by recharging your batteries before the year end

As this year draws to an end there are hundreds of unused holiday days left for workers to take. If you find yourself with a few days annual leave to use up, why not consider a short break to recharge the batteries and combine some winter sun with duty-free shopping.

There are bargains to be had and Sovereign Luxury Holidays has compiled a list of tempting 5* short-break destinations that are ideal for a long weekend getaway before the end of the year.

Four days left to take...
If you have four days holiday allowance to spend before the year you could enjoy a long weekend in Dubai. With a flight time of around seven-hours you could be sipping cocktails and rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous by the evening. Temperatures average 24C in December and in less than a week you’ll be back at work back with a warm summer glow, ready for the office Christmas party. Flights are on Friday 11th December and a six-night break at the 5-star Sheraton Jumeirah Beach hotel will cost £849pp on a B&B basis. The hotel boasts a relaxing spa, gym and white sandy beaches on the doorstep.

Three days left to take...
With three days annual leave left you could enjoy a relaxed European City break such as a long-weekend in Barcelona. Temperatures average 16C which is ideal for sight-seeing and Christmas shopping! The Grand Hotel is in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and boasts a contemporary design in a building dating back to 1927. It is a great spot for a stylish break away. A four-night break will cost £535pp with flights from Gatwick on Friday 27th November and you will only be paying for 3 nights as the hotel is currently offering one night free!

Two days left to take...
With just two-days left to take you may be tempted to just carry them over into 2010, however you could enjoy a short break to Rome. Flying from Heathrow on Saturday 5th December you can explore the historic sights, shop in designer boutiques and enjoy fine food and wine, taking only two days out of the office. The 5* Hotel Regina Baglioni has an art-deco flair and is located on Via Veneto, one of the Cities most famous walkways. A three-night break here will cost you £516pp.

All the above include use of the airport lounge before you fly, private transfers and a 24-hour concierge so you can have a luxurious break with less than a weeks holiday taken. To book and for further information visit sovereign.com.