It’s time to embrace the holiday spirit with a dash of luxury and cheer. Picture yourself sipping hot toddies by the fire, skiing down snowy slopes, or relaxing on a tropical beach while surrounded by the glow of twinkling Christmas lights.
For a truly glamorous way to celebrate the season, luxury hotels offer an unforgettable mix of festive experiences—from lavish afternoon teas to elegant stays that bring the magic of Christmas to life. Whether you’re seeking a spontaneous escape or planning a future holiday retreat, these exquisite properties promise to make your Christmas extra special.
The Fife Arms: Braemar, Scotland
Nestled in Cairngorms National Park in the Scottish Highlands, The Fife Arms offers an immersive Victorian Christmas experience. Guests can enjoy the sight of Cairngorm reindeer parading through the village, followed by a festive afternoon tea. The holiday cheer continues with feasting, entertainment, and outdoor activities, all set against the backdrop of the majestic Scottish wilderness.
One&Only Reethi Rah: Maldives
For a tropical Christmas, the Maldives sets the stage at One&Only Reethi Rah, where Santa arrives by boat across the Indian Ocean. The festivities start with a Champagne brunch, followed by cocktails and fresh seafood. The season’s highlights include a Pearls & Bubbles event, where Champagne pairs with oysters to keep the holiday spirit flowing. Rates start at $2,600.
Ojai Valley Inn: Ojai, California
Celebrate a serene and festive holiday season at Ojai Valley Inn. This 220-acre coastal resort offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including treasure hunts, s’mores roasting, and a Jingle Bell Jaunt. Christmas Eve and Day dinners feature gourmet dining options, and the resort’s spa offers the perfect retreat. Rates for Christmas week start at $829.
The Greenbrier: White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Step back in time at The Greenbrier, a historic hotel that has hosted U.S. presidents for over two centuries. Enjoy a fun run, a holiday scavenger hunt, and traditional Christmas dinners, followed by puzzles, games, and musical performances. Rates start at $659.
Cliveden House: Berkshire, England
Cliveden House, a stately English manor dating back to 1666, hosts an elegant three-day Christmas house party, offering a blend of luxurious festivities, including festive afternoon teas and grand seasonal decorations. Rooms are available for early Christmas week or late December stays, with rates ranging from $715 to $1,360.
The Plaza: New York
Indulge in an iconic New York Christmas at The Plaza, where the festive spirit comes alive with holiday teas at the Palm Court. The Holiday Signature Tea features a mix of savory and sweet treats, and children can enjoy a special Eloise-themed tea.
One&Only Nyungwe House: Rwanda
For a unique Christmas experience, head to One&Only Nyungwe House in Rwanda. Nestled amid mountains and lush greenery, the resort offers an array of traditional African holiday activities, including basket weaving, painting workshops, and cultural performances.
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: Scottsdale, Arizona
Fairmont Scottsdale Princess goes all-out with its Christmas festival, featuring 10 million lights, an ice-skating rink, and a train. Guests can enjoy everything from Santa experiences to a dazzling glow show. Rates start at $485, and holiday packages are available.
Rock House: Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
For a warm-weather Christmas, the Rock House in Turks and Caicos offers holiday events like live music, mixology classes, and a Christmas Eve community dinner on the jetty. On Christmas Day, guests can savor an Italian Christmas feast or dine at the resort’s restaurant, Vita.
Hôtel de Crillon: Paris
Celebrate Christmas in the heart of Paris at the Hôtel de Crillon, where festive afternoon teas and elaborate Christmas Eve dinners await. This historic hotel overlooks Place de la Concorde, offering a luxurious setting for a holiday filled with gourmet delights. Room rates start at $2,645.
Willard InterContinental: Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., the Willard InterContinental offers nightly performances by local choral ensembles, holiday afternoon teas, and festive cocktails at the Round Robin Bar. Rooms start at $399, with special holiday packages available.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: Cayman Islands
The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman offers a sunny Christmas with a gingerbread house workshop, holiday teas, and festive dinners on the beach. Christmas Day brunch and a four-course holiday dinner round out the experience. Room rates start at $1,700.
Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane: London
London shines bright with the festive décor at Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane, where guests can enjoy a traditional holiday afternoon tea featuring treats like smoked maple éclairs. Explore London’s festive lights or visit Hampton Court Palace with a concierge-curated tour. Room rates start at $1,515.
Madeline Hotel & Residences: Telluride, Colorado
For a ski and spa holiday, head to Madeline Hotel & Residences in Telluride. This luxury resort offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations, alongside a range of holiday activities like cookie decorating and letter-writing to Santa. Three-course dinners for Christmas Eve and Day are available, with rates starting at $1,299 per night.
Royal Mansour: Marrakech, Morocco
Celebrate the holidays in opulent style at the Royal Mansour in Marrakech. Guests can enjoy multi-course meals at Sesamo and La Grande Brasserie, a lavish Christmas tea, and the hotel’s signature Yule Log cakes. Rates start at $2,700 per night for a one-bedroom riad.
The Breakers: Palm Beach, Florida
The Breakers Palm Beach dazzles with 170,000 twinkling lights and festive décor, offering a grand Christmas Day brunch and a Christmas Day feast. Rates for Christmas week start at $1,090.
Claridge’s: London
Each year, Claridge’s in London enlists renowned designers to create a spectacular Christmas tree. This year’s creation by Sir Paul Smith adds an extra touch of charm to the hotel’s festive offerings, which include a Christmas Day lunch featuring gourmet dishes like butter-poached lobster and roasted Norfolk turkey.
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