1. LIGHTING UP CHRISTMAS
Zurich’s most exclusive address since 1899, and with art collection featuring 100 works by Takashi Murakami and Salvador Dalií, The Dolder Grand is quite the sight for sore eyes - though never more so than at Christmas. Lit up like a Christmas tree, its silhouette twinkles over Zurich, the lake and the snow-dusted peaks of the Alps beyond. For winter season, there’s The Festive Me Up! package, which offers a fully customisable stay, including breakfast, unlimited spa access and a uniquely tailored experience inspired by the hotel’s festive offerings. Or book The Restaurant package, with a two-night stay and a six-course dinner prepared by award-winning culinary director Heiko Neider at the hotel’s signature Michelin-starred restaurant, along with breakfast and complimentary spa access.
2. PLEASURE-SEEKING SKIING
Aman Le Mélézin opens for the winter season on December 8, so you can add an iconic alpine retreat to your Christmas wish list! Set in the coveted heart of Les Trois Vallées, with an enviable setting directly on the Bellecôte Piste just moments from Courchevel 1850, the resort offers some of the best all-round ski experiences in France. For off-piste adventures, there’s also toboganning down to Courchevel Village, which is perfect for little holidaymakers, or a hot air balloon ride or helicopter flight over the snow-caked peaks. And, new for this season, there’s Moonbiking on ultra-light electric snowbikes that will take you through the region’s stunning landscape. Until April 7, there’s also a new five-night Ski or Spa Escape, in which you can experience daily breakfast, daily lunch or dinner, and either a ski-lift pass for Les Trois Vallées, or spa benefits, including a daily yoga session, a holistic massage and more. Stay in a Suite Ski Piste With Hot Tub and thank us later!
3. A COCKTAIL IN THE CLOUDS
Staring its winter season on December 15, L’Apogée Courchevel is also celebrating its 10th anniversary, so it’s the perfect time to visit to experience new menus by the hotel’s skilled chefs, a reimagined L’Art au Sommet exhibition, and new roster of activities. On Christmas morning, you can wake up to a glistening snowscape out of the window, then gather around the hotel’s majestic Christmas tree to welcome the main man of the hour! Located in the heart of Courchevel’s Jardin Alpin, at very top of the former Olympic ski jump, snow sports are obviously high on the agenda too, at this ski-in/ski-out hotel. For the ultimate Christmas gift, book the new Sunset in Style experience, in which you can ride up the Courchevel peaks in a groomer ride once the ski runs have closed and appreciate golden hour in the mountains with an exclusive cocktail created by chef Lefrançois.
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4. COMFORT AND JOY
Claridge’s is synonymous with Christmas, from the talk-of-the-town tree (designed by Louis Vuitton this year) to the breath-taking decorations. Book the Christmas at Claridge’s offer for a three-night stay, in which you can enjoy a welcome bottle of champagne and festive treats, your own Christmas tree (if in a one-bedroom or signature suite), children’s entertainers Sharkey & George hosting activities on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, stocking, Christmas carols, a horse-drawn carriage ride round Mayfair with hot chocolate and marshmallows, Christmas lunch in Claridge’s Restaurant or the French Salon and much more.
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5. A SENSE OF PLACE
Set the heart of Courchevel 1850, in Les Trois Vallée in the French Alps, Six Senses Residences is the chicest chalet-away-from-home you can imagine. All fine features and furnishings sourced from top designers, private catering, a ski concierge, a Six Senses Spa and Japanese restaurant, Sumosan - Courchevel’s finest sushi restaurant. All this means you won’t have to lift a finger when it comes to how you spend your time your pre- and post-piste. Stay in the Five-Bedroom Prestige Penthouse to max out space and share your alpine luxury with family and friends, designed in the style of a French chalet. Stay 10 nights or more and you’ll get a 10 per cent discount. Happy Christmas!
6. THE ULTIMATE SKIER'S PLAYGROUND
Nestled in the picturesque Sunny Valley at an elevation of 1750, Ultima Courchevel Belvédère offers some of the closest access to the renowned slopes of the Savoie province in France. Opening on December 15 for the season, this ski-in/ski-out resort has 13 private chalets to choose from, perfect for travellers seeking some peace and privacy off the piste. The resort has a beautiful mountain-facing restaurant and cocktail bar, not one but two state-of-the-art spas, and indoor and outdoor pool, sauna, hammam, and Jacuzzi - the ideal places for warming up and unwinding after a day spent on the slopes. Plus, you'll have your own butler and private chef, so every whim will be catered for.
7. A FESTIVE FEAST IN THE AEGEAN
Overlooking the sapphire waters of the Saronic Gulf, set within a protected 21-hectare beach and forest reserve and just a short drive from the wonders of Athens, One&Only Aesthesis has won the location lottery. Opened this autumn, it has fast become the destination to be for well-heeled travellers, thanks to its coastal glamour aesthetic of cool muted colours, its collection of contemporary chic bungalows, villas and residences, and its elegant indoor-outdoor living. There's even a just-opened Guerlain Spa, that combines sun-drenched secrets of mid-century glamour and holistic beauty experiences. Book for December 24 or 25, and you can enjoy a Christmas Eve gala dinner and Christmas Day brunch at Ora by Ettore Botrini on the house.
