Festive Offerings from Hidden Doorways
September 4, 2024 by Hidden Doorways
Whether searching for someplace close to home to gather for Thanksgiving or looking to wake up somewhere exotic and soul-reviving on New Year’s Day – here are our favorite locations to celebrate the holidays in style.
NORTH AMERICA & CARIBBEAN
There’s a definite sense of all your wishes coming true whenever you land at The Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, and the holiday season is no exception. Swapping snowy scenes for sun, sea and sandy beaches, there’s a whole menu of festive cheer to choose from. From meeting Santa on a beautiful beach to joining the Waldorf Astoria team for their traditional tree lighting ceremony and more. It’s also a brilliant spot to welcome the New Year in style — ensuring guests can start 2025 on a high.
To make the holidays even more enticing, the resort is offering a special package: enjoy 10% off your stay, up to $1200 resort credit, daily breakfast, and private airport transportation when you book for stay dates between December 19, 2024, and January 4, 2025.
Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, this Wyoming wonderland is ideally placed for celebrating the holidays. Thanksgiving guests can participate in the annual Turkey Trot, enjoy a pie baking class with the Executive Pastry Chef, and indulge in a Farm-to-Table Festive Feast with live music.
As Christmas approaches, the ranch offers horse-drawn sleigh rides, hot toddy ranger tours, and gingerbread house making sessions. Families can capture memories with holiday portraits in front of the Lodge Christmas tree, while those in private cabins can pick out and decorate their own tree. The ranch provides countless ways to create unforgettable holiday memories in a picturesque snowy setting.
Nestled among Tennessee’s gentle hills, Southall Farm & Inn offers a memorable Thanksgiving retreat. The celebration begins with a Sunset Hilltop Happy Hour, featuring grilled pizza and oysters. On Thanksgiving Day, guests can participate in a Turkey Trot 5K around the picturesque grounds, followed by a mindful Gratitude Ritual. The highlight is the special farm-fresh Thanksgiving dinner, showcasing the bounty of the land. The festivities continue with a Southern Soiree, where classic cocktails get a regional twist. Throughout the weekend, guests can enjoy falconry experiences, archery, and a Holiday Market, all while surrounded by Southall’s natural beauty.
Twin Farms in Vermont offers exquisite dining experiences throughout the holiday season. Thanksgiving features a multi-course feast by Chef Nathan Rich, reimagining traditional dishes with local, farm-raised turkeys and garden vegetables. Christmas dinner presents holiday classics with a gourmet twist. The New Year’s celebration is a gastronomic journey, starting with champagne and canapés, followed by an elaborate multi-course dinner. The festivities continue into New Year’s Day with a lavish brunch featuring seafood platters, lobster eggs Benedict, and caviar. All dinners are accompanied by expertly paired wines and cocktails, creating unforgettable culinary memories in Twin Farms’ charming settings.
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Mii amo offers a unique blend of tranquility and festive cheer during the holiday season. Guests can participate in a Winter Solstice Ceremony, enjoy sound immersion sessions, or create Mandala art. Fitness enthusiasts might join the post-Thanksgiving “Turkey Burner” boot camp, while culinary aficionados can indulge in holiday-themed classes like Yule Log decorating. The resort also offers celestial spa services, with a portion of proceeds donated to charity. As the year concludes, guests can manifest their New Year’s wishes in a special Crystal Grotto ceremony.
From December 9th to 20th, BodyHoliday in St. Lucia offers a unique Pre-Christmas Restorative Break. Set on the crystalline shores of Cariblue Beach, this 32-acre tropical resort focuses on preparing guests for the festive season through wellness and rejuvenation. With a range of beauty and wellness experiences tailored for the holiday season, BodyHoliday provides the perfect blend of relaxation and preparation, ensuring guests enter the festive period refreshed and revitalized.
Nestled in the heart of Costa Rica’s lush landscapes, The Retreat offers a unique blend of tranquility and festive cheer for the 2024 holiday season. Guests can start their days with mindful meditation sessions, setting intentions for inner peace and clarity. Festive yoga classes provide a joyful way to maintain physical and mental balance during the holiday season. For those seeking culinary inspiration, nourishing holiday cooking classes showcase how to create healthy, festive treats like vegan eggnog. The program is rounded out with an array of wellness workshops and healing rituals, from aromatherapy and sound healing sessions to a transformative New Year’s Eve “burn-the-old” ceremony, ensuring guests leave feeling refreshed and ready for the year ahead.
Perfectly situated between New York City’s uber-hip downtown areas and the classic elegance of Upper Manhattan, The Fifth Avenue Hotel is the ideal place to experience the city’s holiday magic. Celebrate this festive season with an exclusive wreath design workshop on December 8th at The Fifth Avenue Hotel, in collaboration with FLOWERBX. Held in the Conservatory, guests will enjoy a hands-on experience, crafting a beautifully elaborate wreath to take home. Under the guidance of expert florists, participants will learn design techniques and creative tips to make their wreaths truly unique.
EUROPE
Filled with festive spirit – Lapland is the ultimate Christmas getaway. The surrounding Finnish wilderness transforms into a winter wonderland with scenes that feel as though they could be plucked from a fairytale. Discover the magical surroundings by reindeer sleigh, spend evenings gazing at the northern lights and then retreat to a luxury lodge for a traditional Finnish sauna and fare cuisine by a crackling fire. A once-in-a-lifetime festive break.
Nestled in the British countryside, Heckfield Place offers an array of festive celebrations where no detail is spared. From Thanksgiving feasting and festive markets throughout December to Michelin-starred dining by an open fire for Christmas and an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party. And to recover? There’s Cold Water Immersion in the morning on New Year’s Day, followed by a Sauna Medicine ritual at The Bothy.
Head to Switzerland’s Lake Lucerne for the holidays and make the most of the surrounding mountains with their expertly designed ski packages. Whether tackling incredible descents or taking one of the private ski and spa packages — each is followed by dinner at the resort’s ‘Seven Kitchens’ at Verbena. Guests will find themselves surrounded by an enchanting forest of Christmas trees that form the backdrop to a chorus of jazzy brunches and exquisite dinners.
Head to Switzerland’s capital for a special Christmas or New Year break. Located in the heart of the city, Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa boasts a luxury spa to allow guests to unwind before heading out into the city for some festive fun. Sip mulled wine at one of the many Christmas markets while perusing gifts. Or ring in the New Year with an overnight stay including breakfast, an outstanding 5-course gala menu and an evening to remember. .
Settle into the holiday spirit surrounded by mountains and history — the Royal Savoy Hotel & Spa Lausanne has it all. An enchanting city, Lausanne makes for a magical backdrop to celebrate the festive season with a stay that combines comfort, fine dining and wellness. Outside of the hotel, there’s much to explore too — from the city’s many museums and beautiful architecture to lakeside dining with views of the Alps.
Nestled in the Priorat wine region, Mas d’en Bruno offers an enticing New Year’s getaway. The package kicks off with a relaxing spa day on December 30th, melting away the year’s stresses. New Year’s Eve dazzles with canapés, cocktails, and culinary delights, accompanied by live music. As midnight approaches, the celebration ignites, blending Spanish traditions with dancing and an open bar.
Nestled in Portugal’s Baixo Alentejo, the 1,500-acre estate offers a unique “Cinema Classics” themed New Year’s celebration, transporting guests through iconic film eras. Kick off with a ‘Grease’-inspired 1950s night, followed by a glamorous ‘Great Gatsby’ experience. New Year’s Eve brings the joy of ‘Mamma Mia’ with a 70s disco, while New Year’s Day channels ‘The Sound of Music’ with a serene nature tour. Throughout, enjoy organic wine tastings, gourmet meals, and activities that blend the magic of cinema with the tranquility of the Alentejo countryside.
Nestled moments away from Oxford Street’s dazzling Christmas lights and the excitement of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland, The Beaumont Mayfair is perfectly positioned for festive shopping and sightseeing. The hotel’s iconic restaurant, The Colony Grill Room, serves luxurious specials for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. Highlights include a comforting Thanksgiving feast with innovative twists on American classics, a sumptuous seven-course Christmas Day lunch, and a luxurious six-course New Year’s Eve dinner.
Son Net, a 17th-century estate in Mallorca’s Tramuntana mountains, presents a festive culinary journey this holiday season. From Christmas Eve through to New Year’s Day, guests can indulge in a series of gourmet experiences showcasing both local Mallorcan flavors and international cuisine. The festive menus feature carefully curated dishes using seasonal ingredients, from fresh seafood to game meats and traditional holiday desserts. The “Belle Époque” themed New Year’s Eve gala dinner is a highlight, offering an exquisite six-course meal with wine pairings.
As Barcelona comes alive with a tapestry of colors and festivities, The Majestic Hotel & Spa transforms into a holiday oasis in the heart of Paseo de Gracia. This five-star historic gem weaves enchantment through its exclusive culinary offerings. The SOLC Restaurant presents a series of delectable holiday experiences, from an intimate Christmas Eve dinner to a lavish Christmas Gourmet Brunch. Celebrations continue with a traditional Boxing Day lunch and culminate in a spectacular New Year’s Eve gala in the Salon Mediterraneo.
The Dolder Grand in Zurich offers a magical festive experience with stunning views of the snowy Alps and city lights. From December 22nd to January 6th, guests can indulge in personalized holiday packages, including the “Festive Me Up!” offer. The hotel’s Christmas celebration includes a lavish brunch at the Saltz restaurant, while New Year’s Eve presents three distinct experiences: an 8-course dinner at the Michelin-starred The Restaurant, a 5-course menu at Saltz, or a unique setting in the art deco pop-up, The Grand Heritage.
Christmas at London’s legendary hotel, The Goring, is when it’s at its most magical. Marvelous merriment can be sensed from top to bottom from its luxuriously appointed suites to jolly afternoon teas in its Veranda. Expect an impeccable English celebration with all the trimmings, feasting, toe-tapping, walking arm in arm through the nearby Royal Parks before returning to retreat in front of the roaring fire. Its exclusive two or three-night Christmas celebration package is now available to book for a Yuletide to remember.
The celebration begins with a four-course Christmas Eve dinner at El Jardín de Lutz or a Japanese-inspired feast at REI. Christmas Day brings gourmet lunch and dinner options, while a Winter Golf Tournament on the 28th takes advantage of the resort’s championship course. The highlight is the “BELLA… CIAO 2025” New Year’s Eve gala, featuring cocktails, live shows, and exquisite dinners at El Jardín or the Italian-themed “Capodanno” at Don Giovanni.
ASIA & PACIFIC ISLANDS
Escape to a Polynesian paradise this holiday season at The Brando in Tetiaroa. Dive into festive fun with a spirited coconut relay race, or let the rhythms of torch-lit beach performances transport you to another world. Craft your own holiday keepsakes in a pareu painting workshop, or weave traditional ni’au creations to take home. As dusk falls, gather around a campfire for enchanting Polynesian legends under the stars. Early birds catch the best waves – book by October 20, 2024, for a 15% discount on stays from December 21 to January 5.
This festive season, Song Saa Private Island offers a unique ‘Taste of Cambodia’ experience, taking guests on a culinary and cultural journey through the country’s diverse provinces. The festive program promises a rich tapestry of Cambodian performances and regional cuisines, allowing guests to ‘travel’ through the Kingdom without leaving the comfort of this paradisiacal retreat. Please note that there is limited availability remaining for the festive season, but a select number of villas still have some openings so do reach out as soon as possible.
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific, Kokomo invites guests to herald the New Year before most of the world with its annual White New Year’s Eve Gala. Embrace the island spirit by donning your finest white attire, accentuated with a Fijian flair and a signature Kokomo flower. The evening promises a culinary journey through a chef-curated degustation menu, paired with live entertainment and dancing. As one of the first places to greet the New Year, the Fijian night sky will dazzle with a breathtaking fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.
Set on 35 acres of tropical gardens and jungle, Trisara lives up to its namesake as a palm-filled resort paradise in northwestern Phuket, Thailand. Escape to Trisara this holiday season and enjoy all that “The Third Garden in Heaven” has to offer–from their Christmas Eve BBQ and New Year’s Eve Gala to experiencing true farm-to-table festive-inspired 10 course menu at Michelin Green Star restaurant JAMPA. Rejuvenate for the new year with exclusive festive spa and beauty treatments at JARA Wellness.