1. NEW-LOOK LUXURY
A leading hotel for sun-kissed Indian Ocean luxury, Anantara Veli Maldives reopens its doors this month, following nine months of extensive renovations. The adults-only resort is a 30-minute speedboat from Male International Airport, and once your feet have touched down on its white sandy shores, you can see the upgrades for yourself. Namely, new-look accommodation, a new-top room category and newly-designed restaurants and spa, offering the ultimate in ultra-exclusive island luxury. The new 148sqm Beach Pool Villa is the perfect place for some uninterrupted serenity, and some on-tap attention from your own Villa Host. Book the Reopening Special offer, with accommodation for two, as well as daily breakfast and dinner at Cumin.
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2. MAKE IT PERSONAL
A tropical island brimming with natural beauty, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is the epitome of desert island escapism on a luxury scale. The 45-minute yacht journey from Velana International Airport is just the start of your exquisite journey. The resort is home to 11 celebrated dining venues, including Michelin-starred chef Dave Pynt, Zuma Maldives and Terra, the only private hand-crafted bamboo dining pods in the Maldives. Ithaafushi - the Private Island, is also the largest private island in the Maldives, accommodating 24 guests with two private beaches, a state-of-the-art gym, private wellness pavilion and a 24-hour personal concierge, making it the perfect family destination for the festive season. Live Unforgettable this season by enjoying savings on four nights or more, with return yacht transfers, and a half-board dining credit of $100 per night.
3. PARK YOURSELF HERE
Savour Christmas in one the prettiest country estates, with a stay at the beautiful Fairmont Windsor Park. Set on the edge of historic Windsor Great Park the hotel is surrounded by 40 acres of green open space and a tranquil lake – the perfect setting for a white Christmas. From December 16, a collection of festive experiences unveils, with activities including gingerbread decorating classes, treasure hunts, writing workshops to help children craft letters to the North Pole and a visit from Santa himself on Christmas Day. Two and three-night stays over Christmas include indulgent festive meals, activities for the whole family – from warm mince pies on arrival to a specially crafted Christmas Eve Tasting Menu at 1215. An indulgent Christmas Day Brunch includes beautifully crafted canapés, and for Afternoon Tea served in Orchid Tea Room, a glass of celebratory bubbly awaits. Book the Magical Two Nights Christmas Offer for Christmas dinner, Christmas Day lunch, breakfast, late check-out and much more.
4. CHRISTMAS IN THE ALPS
Escape to The Dolder Grand in Switzerland for the ultimate winter adventure this holiday season. With views of the snow-sprinkled Alps and Zurich, the hotel is prime for a weekend away wrapped in cosy luxury. The hotel’s Christmas tree itself stands at 4.5 metres tall and has over 4,000 baubles, there’s an exclusive Sounds of Christmas Spotify playlist to get you in the Christmas mood, and the Dolder Lounge meets St. Moritz pop-up restaurant features a ski-lodge atmosphere with Alpine-inspired dishes created by Michelin-starred chef Heiko Nieder. The ‘Just the Two of Us’ offer can be tailored to each guests’ needs, with guaranteed upgrade to the next room category, fancy drinks, and chocolate-covered strawberries on arrival, as well as a CHF180 dinner voucher per night for Saltz restaurant and unlimited access to The Dolder Grand Spa.
5. A FEAST FOR THE SENSES
Dalloway Terrace at The Bloomsbury Hotel in London has unveiled its latest seasonal transformation, complete with an exclusively curated collection of magical cocktails and a themed afternoon tea in partnership with Chase Distillery. The restaurant space has transformed into ‘The Enchanted Wonderland’, a place of magic, mystery and possibility, and an oasis of British countryside in the busy streets of London. Expect a limited-edition nature-inspired cocktail menu, a crafted food menu including dishes inspired by woodland, and a whimsical new menu for its classic afternoon tea, with clementine tartlettes, date and almond financiers and cucumber and cream cheese on spinach bread.
6. THE ULTIMATE SKI ADVENTURE
In perfect time for France’s ski season, Ultima Courchevel Belvédère opens this month, with virtually unrivalled ski access. Exquisitely perched on the Belvédère slopes, sitting between Courchevel 1850 and Rosière, natural beauty is not in short supply. Ultima Courchevel Belvédère offers the experience of an ultra-luxury five-star resort within the privacy of 13 privatised chalets, making it the perfect ‘but-out’ option for those wanting to ski and celebrate en-masse. Guests can choose between a completely self-catered experience, or opt for the full Ultima experience, with a dedicated ski butler, massage therapists, transfers to Courchevel 1850 and famously extravagant breakfasts to help fuel your days on the piste. To relax after your exertion, you can make the most of the resort’s outdoor pool, hammam, Jacuzzi, sauna and fitness room.
7. WHEN TWO STARS COLLIDE
The Fabulous World of Dior has taken over Harrods in London with a spectacular presentation illuminating the storied halls of the legendary department store. Definitely one to show the kids, the installation features a magnetic Shepherd’s Star as a central sculpture - the store’s largest to date at 17 metres - two unprecedented pop-up stores whose interiors draw inspiration from fairy tales, and a poetic exhibition reproducing in an amazing play on scale and proportion, the architecture of Dior’s most iconic landmarks, from Granville to La Colle Noire, via 30 Montaigne. To end your dreamlike voyage, the Maison also invites you to Café Dior at Harrods, in homage to British culture and the pleasure of receiving guests, which was so dear to Monsieur Dior.
8. AN ADDRESS LIKE NO OTHER
Perfectly located where St. James’, Mayfair and SoHo converge, Hotel Café Royal on Regent Street has one of the most prestigious addresses in the city. The stomping ground of everyone from Oscar Wilde and Sir Winston Churchill to Princess Diana and David Bowie, Café Royal is the place to convene, converse and celebrate for the holidays. The halls are decked in anticipation of your arrival, with a luxurious two-night stay ready to help you celebrate. Book between December 22-26, and you’ll be gifted English breakfast each morning, a bottle of champagne on arrival, a Christmas stocking for each guest, a three-course Christmas Day lunch, an in-room Christmas Tree when booking the Tudor Suite and above, kids club activities for children and access to Akasha Holistic Wellbeing.
9. THE MAGIC OF MONTE-CARLO
A visit to Monte-Carlo is magical any time of year, but made all the more so with the possibility of snow! This Christmas, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy, starting with a stay at Hotel Hermitage, with its kids’ room, designated V.I.K (Very Important Kids), ready and waiting for some festive fun, with PlayStations to tea sets. There’s also a memorable afternoon tea each weekend, from classic to Caviar-inspired packages. You can also enjoy some mid-winter swimming with the indoor pool and Jacuzzi at Monte-Carlo Bay, with an outdoor pool that’s heated all year round. And for some culture vulture excursions, there’s the Zoological Gardens, shows, ballets and art exhibitions, all ensuring each family member gets to experience a slice of Monte Carlo magic for the holidays.
10. A VERY BRITISH CHRISTMAS
The grand Regency residence at The Lanesborough London has transformed into an enchanted country house filled with stunning seasonal activations. The Private In-Suite Shopping & Concierge Service in partnership with Harvey Nichols offers a bespoke shopping appointment in the privacy of your own suite, with a curated selection of goods to suit your wishes. The Christmas in Residence experience offers a two or three-day stay, with mulled wine or hot chocolate on arrival, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in your room or suite, a chauffeur-driven car to Harvey Nichols or Hamleys to pick up any final presents, and onto St. Paul’s Church for a jolly evening service. There’s also a champagne breakfast on Christmas Day and a five-course Christmas Day lunch The Lanesborough Grill and so much more. Happy gifting to yourself!
