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- Nature
- Experiences & Adventure
Where to spend the festive season for 2025/26
Words by Jord Connor
5 min read
How will you celebrate this festive season? On sun-kissed sands, beneath snow-dusted pines, or amidst the sparkle of a city skyline? Wherever you wish to go, however you wish to celebrate, every detail is taken care of, so you can simply enjoy the magic of the season - your way.
Stories for...
The Head
Discover our top places to spend Christmas & New Year
Whether it’s the hush of snow settling over a Swiss peak or the shimmer of the Indian Ocean beneath a December sun, the festive season invites a certain kind of magic. These are the destinations that redefine celebration — places where tradition meets indulgence, and where the joy of togetherness is elevated by extraordinary surroundings. From alpine hideaways and ocean-view sanctuaries to city hotels that sparkle with festive glamour, discover where to spend the season in style.
1
Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, Switzerland
1
Bürgenstock Hotel & Alpine Spa, Switzerland
Visit for...
Celtic Christmas traditions with legendary festive buffets in a stunning alpine setting.
Luxury wellness rituals like the KOS Paris treatments, followed by cosy evenings by the fire with melted cheese fondue.
The magic of Lucerne’s Christmas markets, accessible via scenic train journeys through snow-dusted landscapes.
Take a closer look
2
Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira, Portugal
2
Reid’s Palace, A Belmond Hotel, Madeira, Portugal
Visit for...
Glamorous festive dining, from Christmas Eve feasts to New Year’s Eve soirées with live music and spectacular fireworks over Funchal.
Immersive local traditions and festive workshops, including creating a traditional Lapinha nativity, liqueur-making, and cookie workshops for all ages.
The magic of Funchal at Christmas, from enchanted children’s villages to twilight Tukxi tours.
3
Royal River, Tenerife, Spain
3
Royal River, Tenerife, Spain
Visit for...
An adults-only festive retreat where tranquility meets luxury.
Indulgent wellness experiences at the WOW Spa, offering a sanctuary for the senses.
4
Calabash Hotel, Grenada
4
Calabash Hotel, Grenada
Visit for...
Festive cocktails, live steel pan and jazz music, and vibrant holiday parties by the beach.
Traditional Christmas Day feasts and afternoon teas with live performances.
New Year’s Eve celebrations with outdoor feasts, live bands, and sparkling fireworks to welcome 2026 in style.
5
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
5
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
Visit for...
Extraordinary island dining with two-Michelin-Star Chef Tom Aikens’ tasting menus, private yacht dinners, and festive galas beneath the stars.
A magical Atlantis-inspired escape; immerse yourself in underwater realms, mermaid ballets, and dazzling New Year’s fireworks.
Family fun and island adventures from gingerbread house making to coral planting and scuba diving.
6
Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius
6
Shangri-La Le Touessrok, Mauritius
Visit for...
Festive island celebrations with tree lighting, Christmas carols, and enchanting shows for little ones.
Exceptional dining experiences from five-course Christmas Eve galas, truffle and lobster nights on a private island, to a beachfront New Year’s Eve gala.
Island traditions and family activities including Mauritian Night, kids’ classes, and New Year’s breakfast by the sea.
7
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
7
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
Visit for...
A show-stopping New Year’s Eve Gala with Maroon 5 performing live; a night of music, fireworks, and unforgettable celebration.
A curated selection of Michelin-starred and celebrity chef dining experiences, including Heston Blumenthal and Gastón Acurio.
8
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Thailand
8
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Thailand
Visit for...
A festive Mekong-inspired escape with Explorer Cocktails by the fire, soulful jazz mornings, and sacred merit-making rituals.
Themed celebrations including pairing delightful festive dinners with traditional performances.
Culinary journeys with Chef Yui’s Winter Odyssey menu at Samsarn, blending tastes from across the Mekong’s diverse cultures.
9
Raffles Singapore
9
Raffles Singapore
Visit for...
Indulging in festive dining experiences at renowned venues like Tiffin Room and Butcher's Block, featuring curated menus and seasonal specialties.
Rejuvenating at Raffles’ signature spa with seasonal treatments, offering a blissful escape and a festive reset for body and mind.
Get in touch your way…
We customise every trip to you and our quotes are bespoke. We’re here to offer advice, recommendations and answer your questions.
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