Alas, ‘tis the season where we can finally celebrate wherever in the world we may please. From a tropical festive setting, a bustling city with a merry ambience, or an island retreat for ultimate relaxation, we’ve curated a fabulous selection of luxury properties across the globe, for the perfect festive season escape.
The Ultimate Festive City Escape at Rocco Forte the Brown’s London
There is perhaps no more elegant boutique hotel in London than Brown’s, where Rudyard Kipling wroteThe Jungle Book and Alexander Graham Bell made the city’s first telephone call in 1877. Rooms are adorned in English wallpaper and pops of color. The upscale shops of Savile Row are minutes walk away, as is Hyde Park. Made to perfect the city escape voyage this festive season.
Welcoming families, friends, couples and colleagues to celebrate the season at one of six immersive dinner events, inspired by The Nutcracker story. Charlie’s, Brown’s Hotel’s restaurant led by Chef Adam Byatt, will set the scene for three evenings this festive season (28 November, 5 December, 19 December) for guests to watch the iconic story of Clara and the Nutcracker unfold whilst savouring a three-course festive feast. Produced in collaboration with Black Rabbit Projects, award-winning actors, magicians and ballet dancers will narrate the story through a series of classic performances such as the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux and other reimagined moments from the show.
On each date, there will be two sittings, an early evening one (5.30 pm – 7.30 pm) and a later sitting (8.30 pm – 10.30 pm). Guests will be transported to Edwardian London as they are greeted and escorted to their table by loved characters from the ballet. The three-course set menu of winter-warming dishes will be served, featuring a starter of glazed beetroot and goats’ curd; Sutton Hoo chicken and onion squash served on chestnuts; and a gingerbread crème brûlée for dessert. With each course, a series of clues will be revealed within the table decorations and dishes, guiding guests on their festive journey and promising an evening of wonder and surprise.
For bookings and more information, visit roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/brown-s-hotel/festive/
Luxury Ski and Wellness Escape at Ultima Courchevel Belvédère
This December, Ultima Collection invites guests to take their skiing to new heights in Courchevel, with the highly anticipated opening of its luxurious ski and wellness resort, Ultima Courchevel Belvédère, on the 17th of December, just in time for the festive season. The property includes 13 privatised four and five-bedroom chalets, categorised into three types, Grand, Prestige and Signature, based on their size and service level. Ultima guests can choose between the two levels of service offered: completely self-catered experience — which is not without its access to Ultima’s luxury concierge — or the full Ultima experience, complete with a dedicated ski butler, massage therapists, transfers to Courchevel 1850, and famously extravagant breakfasts. Guests can expect the utmost levels of exclusivity, elegance, and privacy in the mountains.
Located at the heart of Europe’s largest ski region, Les Trois Vallées, over 600 kilometres of maintained pistes lie on the doorstep of the chalets. It’s a short 7-minute transfer journey to the city’s bars and restaurants for when the hours turn dark. Plus, Ultima ski guides and instructors are at the ready to lead excursions to the hidden gems of The Three Valleys, and beyond. Non-skiers can take to the town of Courchevel to explore the refined boutiques, dining, and entertainment on offer, with the Ultima team on call to curate unique and authentic experiences featuring the region’s finest offerings at any time.
For bookings and more information, visit ultimacollection.com/en/collections/ultima-courchevel
Festive Spirit Escapes at The Balmoral in Edinburgh
The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte Hotel in Edinburgh, is a grand railway hotel located at Edinburgh’s most prestigious address, No 1 Princes Street. The Balmoral began life as a grand railway hotel in 1902, and over the last 119 years and offers 187 contemporary rooms and opulent suites. Excellent cuisine is guaranteed in the Michelin-starred Number One restaurant as well as the hotel’s all-day dining venue Brasserie Prince.
The Balmoral has crafted a new Festive Spirit Escape, inviting guests to embrace the twinkling lights of Scotland’s capital and discover Edinburgh’s newest shopping district, the St James Quarter. From The Kooples and Calvin Klein to Aesop and Russell & Bromley, whether it is Christmas shopping or treating yourself to a gift there is something for everyone. Family favourites, Lego and Hamleys, will provide little ones with inspiration for their letter to Santa while grown-ups can enliven their inner child ahead of the festive season and explore the shopping district with a gift card for some of the city’s finest new stores.
The Balmoral is inviting loved ones to come together and enjoy an innovative, bespoke family-style banquet this festive season. Enjoy an evening that is completely tailored to your tastes, delivered with a sense of theatre. Festive Gatherings offers an elevated dining experience, with sharing plates and paired wines, featuring the finest, seasonal ingredients and produce the Scottish larder has to offer – making this year’s celebrations truly unique.
Whisk the family away for a magical stay in The Balmoral’s world renowned J.K. Rowling suite, named after the author completed ‘Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows’ whilst staying at The Balmoral in January 2007. Enter the suite, past the owl door knocker, and walk through the star-filled entranceway into the lounge to see the marble bust of Hermes, signed by the author in elation at finishing the final book in the Harry Potter series. The Signature Suite offers stunning views across the inspiring city, adding charm and wonder to an unforgettable family stay.
Book Festive Spirit Escapes starting from AED2,657 per night.
For more information, visit roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/offers/festive-spirit-escape/
A Magical Season at Mango House
Stretching along the edge of the Anse Aux Poules Bleues, a sparkling calm bay with shallow clear waters, Mango House provides a convivial and secluded festive retreat where guests can explore Mahé’s breath-taking canvas of sun, sea, and sand all the while enjoying a handcrafted hospitality experience.
Guests will be able to enjoy an incredible range of festive activities from the 23rd of December until the 7th of January. Loved ones can indulge in a Creola Christmas Eve dinner featuring a five-course gastronomic journey that ignites senses during this special season. Following the impeccable evening, a Christmas morning surprise awaits guests Soley, the poolside bar.
Wave your last goodbyes to 2021 with a lavish dinner accompanied by live entertainment and prime views of the stunning ocean. Gather with the closest and dearest for a dinner to remember, from traditional favorites to signatures, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
Festive period rates start at AED 6884.75
For bookings and more information, visit hilton.com/en/hotels/sezitol-mango-house-seychelles/accommodations/
An Unorthodox Island Escape at Emerald Maldives
Emerald Maldives combines natural elegance and Italian flair to offer all travellers a range of authentic experiences that are perfect for couples, friends, and families. Guests are invited to celebrate memorable moments this festive season in the heart of lush green Maldivian paradise with exciting activities and gourmet dining experiences with the Deluxe-All-inclusive package.
Those looking for an active holiday can take advantage of the fully equipped gym, rejuvenate mind and body with morning yoga and pilates classes on the beach or discover the popular sport – padel – by pulling the first shots on the two brand new playgrounds with certified instructors. Children aged 3 to 12 can make new friends and experience fun adventures at the Dolphin Kids Club, the largest kid’s club in the Maldives. Young guests can take advantage of the dedicated swimming pool, climbing walls, Tibetan bridges, slides and the rich weekly program of activities under the watchful eye of certified professional educators, while parents enjoy relaxing moments on the resort’s white sandy beach or at the Emerald Spa.
Throughout the winter season, Emerald Maldives is offering families an additional 20% reduction on all categories of villas stay in Deluxe All-Inclusive formula, an in-villa breakfast experience, a family cooking lesson on preparing pizza or ice cream with Executive Chef Aldo Cadau, or a complimentary 60 mins ‘Mommy & Daddy’ couple’s massage.
For bookings and more information, visit emerald-maldives.com/