The 12 Stays of Christmas – Where to Travel this Winter
Why have a white — or grey —Christmas when you can have a sun-soaked one?
The most wonderful time of the year is quickly approaching and with many of our destinations promising sun, sand and seasonal festivities — ‘tis indeed the season to be jolly!
Whether you’re simply craving a relaxing tropical escape — or a lavish vacation filled with festive yuletide traditions, we have an array of hotels that serve up hassle-free ways for you to enjoy the festive season.
Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi
A stay at Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi may be more bucket list than Christmas list, but if you’re thinking of the ultimate festive treat, then one of the Maldives’ most luxurious islands is just the place to splurge. For the ultimate glamping experience, book one of the new Beach Tented Villas and enjoy a sumptuous safari-style stay complete with private plunge pool. Embrace the holiday cheer with exciting activities including traditional Christmas feasts, a dazzling firework display and a visit from Santa. An exclusive Michelin Star culinary experience will also be available on a first reservation basis.
Raffles Bali, Indonesia
At Raffles Bali, we should rename the festive season to ‘serenity season’! This oasis of emotional wellbeing offers utmost privacy, magnificent ocean vistas, luxurious pool villas and lush tropical gardens. Known for its legendary service, your stay will be perfectly curated by the team of intuitive Raffles Wellbeing Butlers. As befitting Raffles, festive celebrations promise to be both elegant and lavish with sumptuous dinners and brunches served with fine wines and champagne.
Special two-night Christmas packages start from USD 2,399++; and two-night New Year packages start from USD 2,889++
The Nai Harn Phuket, Thailand
Not long after opening in the 1980s, this beachside beauty soon boasted a glamourous guestlist of celebrities including Forest Whitaker, Henry Kissinger, Prince Albert of Monaco, and Bond himself – Sir Roger Moore. You can expect plenty of glitz and glam with an unforgettable Christmas dinner and an oceanside New Year’s Eve extravaganza – all overlooking the beautiful Nai Harn Bay. The New Year all-inclusive package includes wine served from eye-catching 3 litre double magnum bottles!
And to entice us even more, The Nai Harn Phuket is offering discounted winter rates!
- Stay from 24 Dec to 8 Jan 23: Receive 10% discount off all room types (with breakfast)
- Stay from 1 Nov – 23 Dec 22: Receive 20% discount for stays of 1 to 4 nights / and 25% discount for stays of 5 nights and more
The Slate – Phuket, Thailand
The Slate is reimagining the festive season with innovative and creative events that promise to be as whimsical and surreal as the surroundings. We would expect nothing less from this tin mine-inspired hotel that combines raw beauty with industrial elements.
Accessed by a floating raft, Black Ginger’s ‘Reimagined Christmas Eve Dinner’ will feature ten mouth-watering courses served in the dream-like setting of a traditional Thai house. On New Year’s Eve, the Coliseum Lawn will transform into an avant-garde-inspired ‘Tropical Soiree’ for the sumptuous gala dinner and countdown party. Meanwhile, the industrial-chic Rivet will play host to aromatic smokehouse cuisine cooked on an open-fired grill and paired with exquisite wines. More enchanting events are planned in the resort’s other venues.
Pimalai Resort & Spa – Koh Lanta, Thailand
Head to Pimalai Resort & Spa on Koh Lanta island for incredible views, 900 metres of shimmering beach, two stunning infinity pools, award-winning spa, professional dive school and so much more this Christmas. Lose yourself in the sights and sounds of nature as you celebrate Christmas in the beachside restaurant with classical Thai dancing, an exhilarating fire show and a visit from Santa complete with presents for the kids. On New Year’s Eve, feast on a delicious buffet with free-flow wine and then dance barefoot on the beach as fireworks announce the start of 2023.
Viceroy Bali, Indonesia
Search the sky for Santa’s sleigh from the mountains of Ubud! Deep in the jungle, perched high above Bali’s Valley of the Kings, the all-pool villa Viceroy Bali really has the wow factor. Over Christmas, CasCades Restaurant will be serving a delectable buffet with live stations and traditional festive favourites — with incredible views thrown in.
On New Year’s Eve, we’ll be spoilt for choice! CasCades will celebrate with a wonderful BBQ, festive surprises and a traditional Balinese dance and fire show. In Apéritif Restaurant & Bar, indulge in a delectable 8-course degustation (you’re welcome tastebuds) with wine pairing. A fire dance will turn the heat up heading towards countdown, followed by sounds from a live DJ.
Paresa Resort – Phuket, Thailand
It’s hard to find a more magical backdrop that the shimmering Indian Ocean – and the views from Paresa are truly heavenly. Just what we would expect from a hotel whose name means ‘heaven of heavens’ in Sanskrit! The secluded boutique resort is perched on the cliffs among tropical forest overlooking the azure waters of Kamala Bay.
On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, extravagant festive feasts will be served against this stunning backdrop. Expect oysters, salmon, mussels and lobster, as well as traditional favourites from the carvery station including turkey, sugar-glazed ham and beef wellington. Followed by decadent desserts and indulgent cheese boards.
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, Thailand
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai ticks all the boxes – lush tranquil setting, attentive staff, Michelin-listed restaurant, luxurious rooms and pillars of history. This beautiful teakwood building, once home to the East Borneo Company headquarters, is opulent and elegant but at the same time it’s extremely cosy. In other words, it’s Christmas heaven!
Begin with mulled wine and 5-course dinners under the stars on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Move on to a ‘Black, White, Silver & Gold’ themed gala dinner and party on the lawn on New Year’s Eve, complete with 7-course dinner and live entertainment that will keep you up until way past countdown.
Reethi Beach Resort, Maldives
If tropical indolence is what you seek this festive season, then the Maldives is, let’s face it, heaven at any time of year. With white powder soft beaches, glistening turquoise waters, magical marine life and stunning Maldivian sunsets, Reethi Beach Resort is ready to add some extra sparkle to your festive season.
With an award-winning culinary team, the festive ‘Reethi (af)fair’ promises to be a celebratory gastronomic extravaganza incorporating the vibrant flavours of the Maldives, all wrapped up in this beautifully decorated tropical paradise. Add to that, the possibility of swimming with sharks and manta rays in Hanifaru Bay and you have the makings of a festive season like no other.
Vinpearl Nha Trang, Vietnam
Experience a tropical French Riviera Christmas inspired by St. Tropez, Monaco and Monte Carlo at the resorts that make up Vinpearl Nha Trang in Vietnam. With sumptuous Mediterranean food festivals, circus shows, music performances, fireworks, Santa and his elves, and many other memorable activities, Vinpearl will not be holding back! As well as enjoying the varied attractions and rides at Vinwonders Nha Trang, there will also be a Christmas Market selling stollen, mulled wine, hot chocolate and other Christmas goodies. On Christmas Eve, a parade of 100 Santas in traditional tuk-tuks will hand out gifts for all guests on Hon Tre Island.
Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga Resort & Spa – Phang Nga, Thailand
Located on the sunset side of the Andaman Sea and the pristine Natai Beach, Aleenta Phuket will be going full holiday glitz and glam. Come Christmas, the resort will be practically glistening in fairy dust with carol singing and the arrival of Santa — and Santarina! New Year’s Eve will see non-stop celebrations with lucky draws, a Muay Thai show and a delectable six-course epicure’s dream featuring Black Angus beef and Phuket lobster paired with award-winning wines. At midnight, the night sky will light up with a dazzling firework display.
After all the frivolities, you can detox in the Ayurah Spa and Wellness Center, renowned for tailor-made holistic and medical-led wellness programmes with master therapists.
Festive season events are also organised at Aleenta Hua Hin and akyra Manor Chiang Mai.
Rembrandt Hotel & Suites Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok just loves to party and pulls out all the stops at the end of the year! Where better to celebrate than in the award-winning restaurants of Rembrandt Hotels & Suites – an iconic hotel in the centre of the city. Over Christmas, swap Santa hats for sombreros in Mexicana Restaurant and celebrate with pinatas, live music, Mexican food as well as traditional turkey.
On New Year’s Eve, Mexicana’s ‘Wanted Dead or Alive’ party will launch the new year with a bucking bronco and unlimited sangria and margaritas! Meanwhile, Rang Mahal will welcome you into the vibrant world of Bollywood with an extravagant buffet and live Indian band.
Villa Mahabhirom, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Villa Mahabhirom certainly lives up to its translated name of a ‘villa of great pleasure’! A collection of antique teakwood houses dating back over a century have been meticulously restored and adorned with objet d’arts and antiques from the private collections of the three owners. Raised on stilts and topped with a distinctive gabled roof complete with handmade clay tiles, the restored villas reflect the social, cultural and religious beliefs as well as the traditional way of life of the Thai people.
Over Christmas, the hotel’s chefs will be cooking up the finest gourmet meals to celebrate the occasion.
Intrigued to know more? Contact us for more information about all our hotels …
