Escape the city this Christmas for an enchanting holiday experience.
There’s a particular magic in trading the bustling city for a luxurious escape during Christmas. It’s not about running away from the season’s energy but finding a space where you can indulge in it completely—without the stress. From festive forests in France to sun-soaked celebrations in Portugal, these holiday getaways promise to elevate your Christmas and New Year’s experience.
Mama Shelter: Rennes, France
From December 7, 2024, to January 1, 2025, Mama Shelter hotels across Europe are turning their quirky, contemporary spaces into enchanted forests with their "Mama Claus – Into the Woods" concept. Think sustainable Christmas trees sourced from the Landes region of France, whimsical décor, and the kind of cosy, seasonal charm that Mama Shelter is known for.
The highlights?
Festive Dining: Indulge in Viennese hot chocolate, Mama Claus cocktails, and Christmas-themed cookies. Christmas brunches feature a spread that balances the playful spirit of Mama Shelter with festive flair.
Movie Nights & Activities: Curl up with holiday classics screened in common areas and rooms—or head to a CinéMama for the ultimate cosy experience. For families, creative workshops and kids’ activities keep the little ones entertained while parents sip mulled wine.
New Year’s Eve Flashback Party: Dance through the decades, from the ‘70s to today, at the Mama Flashback Party, a celebration that promises nostalgia and revelry.
Mama Shelter Nice, Rennes, and Toulouse go a step further with the Mama Ski Club, offering winter favourites like raclette and mulled wine, perfect for après-ski vibes without leaving the city.
The price: Mama Shelter Rennes, based on 4 nights during Christmas - £700 average
Viceroy at Ombria Algarve: Portugal
If your ideal Christmas involves swapping frost for balmy breezes, Viceroy at Ombria Algarve is a dream destination. Nestled in the serene Algarve countryside, just 25 minutes from Faro Airport, this retreat balances traditional festive charm with the region’s warmth and natural beauty.
From December 20, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the hotel offers a thoughtfully curated holiday program:
Crafting Traditions: Create meaningful gifts with local artisans through workshops in weaving, ceramics, and chocolate-making. Or try your hand at baking traditional "Bolo Rei" cakes, symbolizing the gifts of the Three Wise Men.
Dining Highlights: Christmas Eve features a Portuguese twist on holiday classics, followed by a Christmas Day brunch that combines seasonal treats with regional specialties.
New Year’s Eve Extravaganza: The gala includes a multi-course dinner, live music, and a countdown under the stars, capped off with fireworks and an after-party.
The festivities culminate on January 5 with the grand arrival of the Wise Men, bringing gifts, storytelling, and children’s crafts.
Beyond the festive programming, Viceroy’s amenities, including a spa, golf course, and hiking trails, ensure your stay is as relaxing or active as you desire.
One&Only Resorts: Island and Coastal Magic
One&Only Maldives
The One&Only Maldives offers an idyllic island retreat, where guests can celebrate the festive season surrounded by turquoise waters and pristine beaches. Enjoy gourmet Christmas dining, followed by New Year's fireworks lighting up the sky, creating a magical atmosphere in this tropical paradise. Whether you're lounging in luxurious overwater villas or dining under the stars, the Maldives promises a celebration like no other.
One&Only Mauritius
At One&Only Mauritius, island festivities take centre stage with vibrant celebrations and unforgettable dining experiences. Set amidst lush greenery and the Indian Ocean, the resort offers Christmas feasts that highlight local flavours, while New Year's Eve bursts with fireworks and excitement. With its stunning beachfront location and world-class amenities, it’s a perfect destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation and festive adventure.
One&Only Dubai
In Dubai, One&Only’s city resort shines with an aura of glamour and sophistication. Michelin-star dining elevates the festive experience, while New Year’s Eve celebrations are marked by extravagant gatherings and dazzling fireworks. With its exclusive location and renowned luxury, the Dubai resort offers a chic and refined way to ring in the holidays in style.
One&Only South Africa
One&Only South Africa brings a festive escape to the sun-drenched shores of Cape Town. The resort blends local flavours with a touch of holiday magic, offering a coastal retreat perfect for celebrating Christmas and New Year. Enjoy a festive feast with stunning views of Table Mountain, while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this unique destination.
One&Only Greece
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean, One&Only Greece invites guests to celebrate the holidays in a coastal escape filled with festive flair. With sun-soaked days and sea breezes, this resort blends local culinary delights with holiday cheer, offering an unforgettable Christmas and New Year’s celebration in an idyllic setting.
DRIFT Beach Dubai
This year, DRIFT Beach Dubai has partnered with Missoni to bring the fashion house’s vibrant aesthetic to the shores of the Arabian Gulf.
Highlights:
Missoni Resort Club: The beach transforms with Missoni’s signature patterns and colour palette, creating a luxurious and stylish ambiance.
Christmas Eve Dinner: A sharing-style menu inspired by the French Riviera, served at the new DRIFT Sea Lounge against the Dubai Marina skyline.
Private Villa: A secluded retreat offering bespoke amenities, perfect for intimate gatherings or exclusive escapes.
Our Habitas: Immersive Nature Retreats
For those craving off-the-grid luxury, Our Habitas offers breath-taking destinations that immerse you in nature.
Options Include:
Kalahari, Namibia: Explore a private wildlife reserve through guided safaris, cultural experiences, and stargazing.
Atacama, Chile: Discover desert adventures with hiking, mountaineering, and paragliding, paired with wellness and culinary delights.
Bacalar, Mexico: Rejuvenate in lagoon-facing cabanas with holistic wellness practices and serene views of seven hues of blue.
Bab Al Shams Desert Resort: Arabian Nights in the Desert
Bab Al Shams offers an authentic Arabian desert experience just 45 minutes from central Dubai, blending Bedouin inspiration with modern luxury.
Highlights:
New Desert Pool Villas: Exclusive one- and two-bedroom accommodations with private pools and expansive outdoor living spaces.
Adventure Activities: Camel trekking, hot air balloon rides, and falconry.
Dining: Traditional Arabian feasts under the stars.
SIRO One Za’abeel, Dubai
In the heart of Dubai's iconic One Za’abeel development, SIRO One Za’abeel represents the future of wellness hospitality. As the inaugural property from Kerzner International’s new wellness brand, SIRO is not just a place to stay—it’s a journey of personal transformation. Whether you’re an athlete pushing your limits, a health-conscious frequent traveller, or someone seeking a fresh start on your fitness or recovery journey, this hotel tailors its experience to you. With minimalist rooms designed for optimal relaxation and sleep, a state-of-the-art Fitness Lab offering group classes in boxing, cycling, and HIIT, and a dedicated Recovery Lab hosting everything from yoga to cryotherapy, SIRO is built to refresh your body, mind, and spirit. Guests also enjoy cutting-edge treatments like IV therapy, red light therapy, and sound healing, alongside holistic therapies such as myofascial cupping and assisted stretching. This is a space where recovery isn’t just possible—it’s a priority.
Susurros del Corazón, Auberge Resorts Collection, Mexico
Perched on the edge of a pristine beach, Susurros del Corazón offers the perfect blend of laid-back luxury and contemporary design. Located on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, this intimate retreat is the ideal spot for those seeking both adventure and relaxation. The resort’s accommodations—ranging from cosy guest rooms to expansive villas—are designed to seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor living, with private terraces and nature-framing windows that invite the surrounding jungle and ocean views into every space. Dining here is a celebration of local flavours, with oceanfront Mexican farmhouses, open-air venues, and poolside spots serving up fresh, vibrant dishes. Wellness is at the forefront with sunrise meditation, beach bootcamps, and surf lessons, while the Ondita spa offers signature massage experiences and private wellness suites with ocean views. This is the place where luxury meets authenticity, creating the perfect escape from everyday life.
Nikki Beach Dubai
On the exclusive Pearl Jumeirah, Nikki Beach Dubai is the embodiment of chic beachside living, offering the ultimate combination of relaxation, gourmet dining, and vibrant nightlife. After a recent redesign by award-winning architect Rémi Viale, the resort now features an expanded, air-conditioned restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows that open to the beach club. The space is fresh and inviting, with murals, new daybeds, and an upgraded bar. Nikki Beach Dubai is a destination for those who love a glamorous, fun atmosphere, with curated events throughout the winter. The highlight of the season is the Annual White Party on November 30, an event where elegance meets excitement in an all-white affair, complete with world-class entertainment. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the day lounging by the sea and end the night dancing to electrifying beats.
Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, Costa Rica
Set amid the wild beauty of Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, Hacienda AltaGracia is one of the country’s premier destinations for wellness and adventure. The serene 50-casita resort spans 180 acres of tropical forest, coffee farms, and equine stables, offering an immersive experience in nature. But this isn’t just a getaway; it’s a transformative experience. The resort’s partnership with THE WELL—a renowned wellness provider from New York—gives guests access to one of the largest wellness centres in Central America, offering holistic treatments that focus on the body, mind, and spirit. Hacienda AltaGracia celebrates Costa Rican culture through its dining, with five distinctive restaurants offering seasonal menus inspired by local ingredients. The resort is also a paradise for adventure seekers, with activities ranging from hiking and horseback riding to river baths and herbal spa treatments. Rates start from £1,289.12, and all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and wellness programming are included in the stay, making it an all-encompassing luxury experience.
Atlantis The Royal, Dubai
Dubai’s newest icon, Atlantis The Royal, offers a level of luxury that’s simply unmatched. This resort is more than just a place to stay—it’s a destination in itself. Guests can ring in the New Year with an unforgettable celebration, including a spectacular fireworks display, exceptional dining, and a live performance by none other than four-time Grammy-winner Lionel Richie. Atlantis The Royal is also home to Cloud 22, the ultimate rooftop party venue, where guests can dance the night away with DJ Kaz James spinning his signature beats. Whether you're attending one of the resort’s exclusive events or simply enjoying the exceptional service and breath-taking views, Atlantis The Royal promises an experience that will live in your memory long after you’ve left. For those seeking even more opulence, the resort's luxury residences offer a stunning living experience with unmatched views of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai skyline.
These resorts combine the best of luxury, nature, wellness, and adventure, offering the ultimate escape from the everyday. Whether you’re seeking a transformative wellness retreat, a vibrant nightlife scene, or simply a serene place to reconnect with nature, these destinations promise an unforgettable experience.
