Naughty? Nice? Neither? Whatever your behavior over the year just past, there’s a wonderful Christmas waiting to be celebrated away from home at hotels, resorts and adventure tour operators around the world. From festive feasts to seasonal amenities to holiday travel packages with all the trimmings and generous rates to match, hospitality really shines this time of year.
A Very Vermont Christmas
Make Hotel Vermont your base for the season’s offerings in the heart of Burlington. Located just steps from Church Street, it’s easy to wrap up holiday shopping and then curl up in the lobby and sip fresh apple cider by the wood-burning fireplace and the grand Vermont Christmas tree decorated with locally sourced ornaments. The hotel’s Holiday Shopping Package ($219) includes accommodations, $20 food credit at Juniper, a “Buy Local First” coupon book, Vermont tote bag, late checkout, valet parking, and seasonal beverage upon arrival. Or try the Three for Tree Package, a quintessential Vermont Christmas experience. With a $30 voucher, grab the kids and head to Murray Hill Farm to pick your favorite tree to bring home. Saws, sleds, rope and hot chocolate provided; tree limited to 6 feet (from $199).
Holiday Photos on the Beach
There is holiday fun to be had at Montage Laguna Beach this year. Create a memorable holiday keepsake with a 40-minute family photo session on beautiful local beaches, or savor something special like an expert-guided Holiday Tasting Series with Champagne or gingerbread decorating demonstrations. On Christmas Eve, trim the tree, write letters to Santa and enjoy a reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas with live carolers, s’mores, cocoa and cider by the fire pit. A Santa Claus Tuck-In ($55) with a bedtime story and milk and cookies with jolly old St. Nick will put visions of sugarplums in their heads, while stockings brimming with holiday cheer are $95 each. Room rates start at $495 per night.
On Thick Ice
Newly refurbished and renovated, Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris invites holiday guests to “Skate into the Festive Season” with magical family time on the hotel’s famous ice rink and daily breakfast for two. Meantime, Le Relais Plaza will offer a special menu of fine dishes and decadent desserts for Christmas. “Skate into the Festive Season” starts at €815 per night/double occupancy, with taxes and service included, valid through January 30, 2015, subject to availability, blackout dates may apply.
Christmas Just the Way You Like It
Holiday cheer is spreading fast at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona. Throughout December, guests can enjoy the resort’s festive in-room decorating service with seasonal décor such as a 6-foot pre-lit Christmas tree, live tabletop Christmas tree, and themed centerpieces arrayed with a professional eye. On Christmas Day the signature restaurant Che-Ah-Chi invites one and all to celebrate with a decadent holiday feast, available 1pm-8pm, with special holiday selections including Beef short rib with grilled maitake mushrooms, Potato croquettes and leek fondue, and Orange-spiced chocolate soufflé cake with mulled orange supremes. In-room decorating available upon request 3 days prior to arrival, $50-$550. Christmas Dinner at Che-Ah-Chi $85 for adults, $30 for children ages 5-11. Rates start at $280.
Please Arrive Hungry
B Merry this holiday season at the new B Resort & Spa, an official Walt Disney World® Resort in Orlando. Enjoy the magic of the moment at festive holiday events throughout the season such as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom® Park. On Christmas day, B’s signature restaurant American Q will host a decadent Christmas Brunch, available 11am-6pm, with unlimited mimosas for adults plus lip-smacking dishes with signature twists for all to enjoy, such as Eggs Benedict & eggnog baked beans, Smoked seafood buffet, Whole roast suckling pig, and a carving station with beef brisket, smoked prime rib and more. Christmas Brunch $49.95 for adults, $10 for kids. $39.95 for hotel guests. Rates start at $129.
As the Clinking of Tea Cups Danced in Their Heads
From glorious decorations to the popular pop-up sweet emporium, no place in London puts tradition into Christmas like The Dorchester. Take your pick of the finest stores and entertainment in central Mayfair, then soak up the iconic grandeur of The Promenade for Festive Champagne Afternoon Tea served with pastries and piano accompaniment weekdays and select weekends throughJanuary 4. The holiday menu at the hotel’s newly reopened signature restaurant,The Grill, is not to be missed, with dishes fashioned from the finest local ingredients. Festive Champagne Afternoon Tea including a glass of Laurent Perrier NV champagne starts at £55 ($86 USD) per adult; rates start at £445 ($696 USD) for a Superior Double Room.
Make “Scents” of the Season
Explore snow-covered New England and the best of Boston at XV Beacon. Recently named Best in the U.S. by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the hotel invites guests to curl up with homemade holiday cookies and hot cocoa before their in-room fireplace, or go all out with a Christmas tree, classic holiday music and traditional décor arrayed in-room upon request. The lobby is “scented” with the holiday spirit and the prime location offers access to boutiques and brand name shops throughout Beacon Hill. The White Christmas package offers a one night stay in a Beacon Hill Studio with fireplace, two tickets to the White Christmas performance at Citi Wang Theatre with complimentary chauffeured Lexus car service, and a $100 food and beverage credit for dining at Mooo…Rates start at $710. Package based on availability and excludes Christmas Day.
Merry Swiss-mas
Get Ready for Christmas at The Dolder Grand, with two nights including one Garden Breakfast, three-course Christmas dinner at Garden Restaurant, one after-dinner Christmas drink in the Bar, one ticket for the Dolder Kunsteisbahn open-air ice rink and an exclusive Christmas gift. Located between the pulsating life of Zurich and a natural green zone, The Dolder Grand delights with unrivalled views of the city, the lake and the Alps. Meanwhile, treat yourself to the new Life Balance program at the 43,000-square foot Dolder Spa, with treatments and techniques personalized to suit your life situations and frame of mind. Ready for Christmas package is available through December 21, 2014starting from CHF 1,020 ($1,057 USD) per person.
Holiday Fun Goes Late by the Lake
Bring the family to celebrate the Christmas season at the quintessential American camp-era resort, Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa, in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. The holiday cheer starts on December 19 with gourmet hot chocolate and apple cider in the lobby daily from 4pm-6pm and festive fun including gingerbread house making, themed movie nights, s’mores by the campfire, cookie turndowns, and seasonal spa treatments at Spa of the Pines. Christmas Eve buffet will be on the menu at BIN189 from 5pm-8pm($24.95 per person), and the annual Christmas Buffet starts on the Lakeview Terrace at 5:30pm ($55 for adults, $25 for children 4-11; reservations requested). Room rates start at $229.
It’s Christmas Time in the City
45 Park Lane is the place to celebrate the holidays with an urban touch. Wolfgang Puck’s London outpost, CUT 45, is the perfect spot to take in the holidays, and the beauty of the season will be on display from guest room views of Hyde Park, where Winter Wonderland festivities include ice skating, Christmas markets, and The Famous Bavarian Village with bratwurst, bars and live bands around the fire pit. 45 Park Lane has teamed with Selfridges, Oxford Street’s premier department store, just a 10-minute stroll away: Book a hotel stay through December 31 and receive one complimentary £100 Selfridges Gift Card at check-in.The Festive Season at 45 Park Lane starts at £510 ($797USD) per night for a Superior Double Room and the Stay and Shop with Selfridges package starts from £525 ($821).
Christmas is Served in Geneva
A traditional Swiss Christmas waits lakeside in Geneva at Le Richemond. Settle in for a Winter Cocoon package with accommodations plus a pampering spa treatment and hammam experience from acclaimed French skincare experts Sisley at Le Spa. Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch will be served at Le Jardin, with traditional menus by Chef Phillippe Bourrel featuring favorites likeBlue lobster with chestnut cappuccino and Black truffle marbled foie gras and crispy gingerbread. Don’t even think about skipping the Toblerone snap Christmas log reinvented by Pastry Chef Sébastien Quazzola. Christmas menusCHF 150 ($155 USD) per person; Winter Cocoon package starts at CHF 785 ($813 USD) for a Superior room.
Fashion-Forward for Christmas in Milan
Spoil yourself in Milan with Christmas at Hotel Principe di Savoia including VIP welcome and special Christmas-themed dinner menu at Acanto Restaurant. The hotel can arrange a most-memorable holiday shopping experience with exclusive tours of Italy’s Fashion Capital upon request, including a visit to the Atelier Versace Headquarters for original evening dresses worn by the models of Gianni Versace; a special welcome at the Gucci Boutique in Via Montenapoleone with a private room and breakfast or cocktail; or a top welcome in the VIP room at Valentino with the option of a flight to the Haute Couture Atelier in Rome or Paris. Finish the day with traditional Italian hot chocolate and petit fours for two by the grand Christmas tree at Il Salotto. Classic Rooms star at €380 ($473 USD).
Finally, Something for Mrs. Claus
Celebrate the 12 Days of Christmas at Montage Beverly Hills, with a unique cheese and chocolate fondue experience paired with distinctive fruits and bread at Parq Bar. Located in the golden triangle of Beverly Hills, the resort invites children to enjoy afternoon tea with holiday treats and story time and a Christmas Cookie decorating class with Mrs. Claus. ($45 per with 48-hour advanced notice require.) On Christmas Day, brunch will be served before stunning views of L.A. at The Rooftop Grill, or head to Scarpetta for a holiday feast with live music from 11am-7pm. ($105 per adult, $45 per child) Room Rates start at $575.
Christmas is Served Again and Again
Spread holiday cheer at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa in Grand Cayman. Celebrate Christmas Eve at award winning Beach Houserestaurant with a delicious five-course dinner including Island Pumpkin Soup,Seared Sea Scallops, Oven roasted maple and thyme glazed tom turkey breast,Dill & Horseradish crusted salmon fillet or a Beef Tenderloin & Caribbean Lobster Oscar plus dessert ($91). The feasting continues on Christmas Day with an international holiday buffet dinner complete with champenoise brut and house white and red wines ($125). For brunch, guests get their pick of Seven Mile Salad Bar, seafood & raw bar, pasta bar, Asian dim sum and more ($15.95 per person). Room rates start at $229.
Christmas: The Adventure
This holiday season, escape to the remote corners of the globe with adventure travel from Big Five Tours & Expeditions. Celebrate Christmas in Thailandwhere the holiday tree at the national museum in Bangkok will take your breath away. Each Big Five Thai journey explores the cultural traditions of years past and temples and shrines of ancient kingdoms. Travelers longing for a more a “traditional” Christmas celebration will find it with a customized Big Five journey in Ecuador, where mountain-dwelling Indians in places such as Hacienda Zuleta dress themselves and their llamas in bright colors to display gifts of fruit and produce. The itinerary includes colossal Andean peaks, Incan ruins, traditional markets, and the wilds of the Galapagos Islands. Rates start at $3,850 for the custom Thailand tour; from $8,450 for a custom Ecuador and Galapagos Island tour.
Lucky Dozen
Let Country Walkers, the leading operator of active and adventure travel, curate a unique way to celebrate the holidays with a customized Guided Walking tour or safari. Perfect for families and friends, round up 11 guests and the 12th person travels free. Everyone can look forward to an authentic experience on departures such as Costa Rica: Southern Rainforest and Coastwith swimming and snorkeling with playful dolphins in the Caño Island Biological Reserve (from $4,298 per person), or Spain: Classic Camino de Santiago, a self-guided pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela (from $3,998 per person).
Magic, Menus & More
Feel the magic of the holidays in the heart of Paris at Le Meurice. Experience the luxurious palace hotel with a special festive package including breakfast for two and fine Champagne and chocolates. Create your own holiday tradition with Christmas Tea Time at Restaurant Le Dali with fine teas, decadent pastries and cakes served in style. Restaurant Le Meurice will offer a select Christmas Eve menu with lobster, warm game pie and delicious desserts, whileLe Dali will whip up a five-course menu featuring an array of fine foods and a creative Dali Yule log for dessert. Special festive package from €935 with VAT, service and local city tax included; valid December 7-26, 2014.
There’s no Place like Rome for the Holidays
Celebrate the season in the Old City of Rome with a festive package at Hotel Eden, including daily breakfast at Michelin-starred rooftop La Terrazza dell’Eden with stunning views of the city. Guests also enjoy luxurious accommodations, homemade crunchy panettone upon arrival, a surprise gift, choice of Christmas Eve dinner or a Christmas Day lunch for two with delicious dishes from Executive chef Fabio Ciervo, and a three-hour private guided tour through Christmas markets and shops with Italian delicacies along the way.Package starts at €565 per room/per night/double occupancy; valid for a minimum of three nights December 21-27, subject to availability. Rate excludes 10% VAT and city tax of €7 per person per day.
Don’t Forget Your Shoes!
Bound for Italy for Christmas? Lungarno Collection, the Ferragamo family-owned hospitality group, has a travel package for you. Enjoy the holidays with choice of accommodations for two nights at any of the four Florentine properties including the new Portrait Firenze, Hotel Lungarno, Gallery Hotel Art, and Continentale. Guests booking the Christmas package will have free entry to the Ferragamo museum, daily breakfast, and access to gourmet dinner for two at either Borgo San Jacopo Restaurant at Hotel Lungarno or Caffe dell’Oro at Portrait Firenze, prepared by Lungarno Collection’s new executive chef, Peter Brunel. Expect an appetizing four-course extravaganza with wines paired by the in-house sommelier. Christmas package starts at $587 through January 6, 2015.
Here’s to the Holidays!
Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia, is spreading holiday cheer with festive events for all to enjoy. Throughout December, ‘toast’ the holidays at Tides’ special Holiday Mixology class. Hosted by the resort’s professional mixologists, guests will have a jolly time learning cocktail recipes that they can use throughout the season. Younger guests can get in the spirit at special holiday movie nights on Saturdays through December with family-friendly classics such as How The Grinch Stole Christmas and A Christmas Story. Rates start at $170.
Christmas in the Countryside
Escape the busy city life and indulge in the rustic tranquility of Coworth Park‘s British countryside locale this Christmas, set in 240 acres of picturesque Berkshire parkland. Enjoy the Festive Champagne Afternoon Tea served in the Drawing Room every day from Saturday through December 28th. On the weekends enjoy tea with carols sung by a local choir. The Barn will have Christmas lunch and dinner throughout December and on Boxing Day enjoy Segway races, a falconry display and wine and chocolate master classes. Stable Superior Room from £615 $962 USD) per person per night.
A Very Snowy Christmas
Madeline Hotel and Residences is inviting guests to celebrate the holidays in the heart of Mountain Village this season. Surrounded by over 2,000 snowy, skiable acres, guests can enjoy a variety of winter activities, from traditional skiing to out-of-the-box winter adventures such as sleigh rides and cross country skiing, heli-skiing, ice climbing, and dog sledding. Throughout the holiday season, the annual downtown Telluride Holiday Prelude lets guests get in the festive spirit with live music, trips to the North Pole, kids crafts, cookie making and more. To celebrate, the hotel is offering a Holiday Prelude Special, with rates starting at just $169 from December 1-14, 2014. At the center of Telluride’s festivities is the iconic ski-inspired Christmas tree. The ski tree, designed by Ryan Bonneau of Telluride Tourism, is decorated entirely from top to bottom with full size skis, creating a unique design to make guests feel at home in this ski village.
