Magical places to celebrate Christmas around the world this year
This year, Christmas is set to be more special than ever, with families finally able to get back together and celebrate in style. Whether looking to book a bucket list winter sun trip, or celebrate closer to home with a festive dinner or afternoon tea, at Lux Nomade we have rounded up our favourite festive experiences to book now.
Celebrate the Festive Season in Style at The Grove, Hertfordshire this Christmas and New Year
The Grove, Hertfordshire, will be unveiling a brand new festive look this year, based on the extensive grounds and gardens of the estate, and will be championing a more sustainable and nature-based Christmas by minimising waste and prioritising natural materials. During the festive season, The Grove will be offering Christmas, Twixmas and New Year packages, which include a variety of activities for families to enjoy from bauble decorating, Christmas carolling, to meeting Father Christmas; whilst adults can relax in the Sequoia Spa, or unwind with a glass of mulled wine by the log fire. Festive feasts include an impressive 5-course Christmas Day lunch at The Stables, and a Boxing Day brunch at The Glasshouse, with lobster rolls with a vodka Marie Rose sauce and Bloody Marys on the menu. Finally, guests can ring in the New Year with a dazzling fireworks display, live DJ and a traditional Scottish piper – with a glass of champagne in hand, of course.
Rates: Nightly rates at The Grove start from £485 for a West Wing Classic Room, as part of the Twixmas break.
Website: www.thegrove.co.uk
Ellenborough Park – Magical Christmas in The Cotswolds
The magic of Christmas comes to life at Ellenborough Park when the hotel traditionally decorates the fifteenth-century manor and grounds with hundreds of lights, transforming the enchanting landscape into a wonderland. Christmas at Ellenborough is quintessentially English: think roaring log fires, long country walks (with dog-friendly rooms available so pet-lovers need not leave their pooches at home) and indulgence in the spa, the bar and dining room. Grand Christmas trees appear in the Great Hall, generous bathrooms are designed for long soaks after exploring the 90-acre estate and the Cotswolds beyond; festive afternoon-teas and indulgent six-course dinners await and there’s plenty of room to kick back, catch up with family, read a book play a board game or simply drink in the joy of the season. Guests can choose from a variety of packages this season, including a 2 or 3 night Christmas packages, the Twixmas package and the 2 or 3 night New Years Eve packages, the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of a brand new year.
Rates: Christmas packages – 2 night packages from £919 and 3 night packages from £819. Twixmas package B&B from £399. New Years Eve – 2 night package from £799 and 3 night package from £699. Festive Afternoon Tea from £30pp
Website: https://www.ellenboroughpark.
DUKES LONDON launches Christmas baubles designed by Halcyon Days
The quintessentially British and luxury boutique hotel, DUKES LONDON, is known for its commitment to making Christmas the most magical time of the year, and 2021 is proving no different. This year, the hotel will be launching a limited edition Christmas bauble designed by Halcyon Days in partnership with Rays of Sunshine Children’s Charity, to fundraise during the festive season. For every bauble sold, DUKES will be adding a ribbon to their own Christmas tree displayed in the hotel, in order to create a visual representation of every charity donation made from the purchases. The hotel’s famous traditional Christmas puddings will also be available to purchase this festive season.
Rates: The Dukes Christmas Baubles will be priced at £50.00 and the Christmas puddings will be priced at £35.00. Nightly rates at DUKES LONDON in a DUKES room start from £350 inclusive of VAT and breakfast
Website: https://www.dukeshotel.com/
Winter Wonderland at Val d’Isère
Where better to enjoy a traditional white Christmas than Val d’Isère, which has a wealth of new openings for the upcoming season. From new gourmet Italian restaurants and hotel openings such as the 5* K2 Chogori and alpine lodges, to incredible outdoor activities such as ice floating, ski touring and a teen focused ski area there is plenty to enjoy for all ages. To celebrate the festive season Val d’Isère have organised a special event, ‘The Magic of Christmas’. This week-long winter wonderland envelopes the village in a magical atmosphere, with a new surprise every day, ranging from parades and concerts to a visit from Father Christmas himself. The Magic of Christmas takes place from 20th-31st December.
Website: https://www.valdisere.com/en/
A Puglian Christmas at Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa
Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & Spa, is a lovingly restored Palazzo in the heart of Ostuni, Puglia boasting 11 individually designed rooms and suites, ideal for a quiet winter escape. Christmas trip to Puglia offers the rare chance to get away from the busy summer crowds and experience the fascinating cuisine and culture that this whitewashed city has to share. This season guests will be spoilt with offers from Christmas and New Years, along with a choice of luxury Christmas gift boxes, including generous vouchers which can be used at the hotel. A Christmas at Paragon will be a foodie’s heaven, with a six-course Christmas Eve Dinner or Christmas Lunch at Restaurant 700, as well as a tea-time on Sundays and a homemade à la carte breakfast. This spoiling offer also treats guests to a Christmas cocktail tasting and gift, making it a special day to remember. Those bringing in the New Year at Paragon 700 will celebrate with a glass of champagne, followed by a gourmet seven-course dinner. To help nurse the New Year’s Day blues, guests will be treated to €80 of credit to use in the elegant bijou spa before tucking unto homemade pastries and scones, and for those brave enough, another glass of champagne.
Rates: The Christmas Offer starts from €1,400 valid between 23rd-25th December. Nightly rates at Paragon 700 start from €300 based on two people sharing a room on a bed and breakfast basis. Exclusive buyouts from 10,000 Euros for two nights with a minimum F&B spend of 3,000 euros in low season
Website: https://paragon700.com/
The Surin, Phuket
With Thailand set to end quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated UK travellers from the 1st November, the Surin Phuket is a no-brainer for some Christmas sun. Newly renovated and boasting an idyllic beachfront location on the exclusive Pansea Beach, The Surin is a long-established resort with a unique history. For those looking to unwind this festive season the Surin Spa offers a series of massages to reflect the individual healing traditions found in the region. The beachfront location also offers two restaurants, beach dinners and poolside and bar dining.
Rates: Nightly Rates at The Surin Phuket start from £120
Website: https://www.thesurinphuket.
The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui
With a quiet Christmas celebrated at home last year, The Ritz-Carlton Koh Samui encourages families and friends to make the most of the new travel rules and head out to Thailand for some less traditional festivities. Located on the north-eastern part of the island, The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui is a stunning 58-acre oceanfront property that stretches from hilltop to beach. This tropical paradise offers azure waters, secluded beaches and mountainous jungles where guests can embrace the Samui way of life through outdoor and cultural experiences such as learning the art of Muay Thai, exploring the southern Thai cuisine or embarking on a cruise aboard a luxury yacht. With two idyllic beaches and the only ocean swimming pool in Thailand it is ensured to be a Christmas to remember.
Rates: Nightly Rates at Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui start from £270
Website: https://www.ritzcarlton.com/
Enjoy the Holidays in a Beautifully Resorted Solar Farmhouse with Podere Brogi
Podere Brogi is a beautifully restored farmhouse and barn on the edge of the Chianti, converted into a luxury residence managed superbly by the Brogi family who live 10 minutes away. Originally used to produce oil, wine, cereals and fruit the property has now been entirely renovated to make it functional for sustainable tourism and is the ideal home-away-from-home this Christmas. The nearby city of Arezzo becomes a wonderful Christmas Village from the middle of November until the end of December. There are festive workshops and visits with Santa for the kids, and an authentic “Tirolese” market for picking up some last minute gifts and treats before the holiday. The beautiful infinity pool which looks out over the countryside is completely run by an internal solar thermal system and disinfected using top of the range salt technology. There is also a dedicated pool for children to learn to swim with a depth of 1.1m. There are also three hydromassage jets for the adults evening relaxation.
Rates: This 6 bedroom property sleeps up to 10 people, offers Podere Brogi from £6,865 per week
Website: https://www.tuscanynowandmore.
Celebrate The Holidays Beachside at Windjammer Landing
The ideal spot to get some winter sun this Christmas, Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort is situated on a steep 60-acre hillside estate on the northside of St Lucia and made up of individual whitewashed villas. Windjammer is an oasis with a collection of villas, private residences and hotel rooms overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea. To celebrate the festive season, Windjammer Landing has announced their 12 Days of Christmas lineup of activities. Highlights include a resort-wide celebration of St Lucia’s Carnival with live music and elaborate costumes, A Christmas Eve Resort Parade featuring a marching band and acrobats, and the Traditional Masquerade of St Lucia on Christmas Day.
Rates: Rooms from US$266.00 per night with Villas starting at US$448.00
Website: www.windjammer-landing.com
Enjoy a Sunny Winter Holiday in The Algarve at Quinta do Lago
Have a happy festive season with a stay at Quinta do Lago this winter. Guests can start the festivities off right with the resort’s annual Christmas Lights Switch-On on 4th December at the plaza at Dano’s, while enjoying some mulled wine or hot chocolate. In the week leading up to the big day, from 17th December to Christmas Eve, guests can collect bespoke Christmas Hampers with a pre-prepared three-course meal for up to 10 people. Those staying at The Magnolia Hotel can make sure every member of the family is included in the festivities, even furry friends, as dogs are considered guests of honour and welcomed free of charge.
Rates: Offers a Standard Room from €82/£69 on a B&B basis
Website: themagnoliahotelqdl.com
Christmas at Courmayeur Mont Blanc – A Snow-Covered Paradise In The Italian Alps
Christmas at Courmayeur Mont Blanc is a true snow-covered wonderland. Renowned for its warm Italian welcome and fabulous winter sports scene, the resort is ideal for families, friends, skiers, and non-skiers looking to spend time outside in the fresh mountain air. During the festive season, visitors can enjoy the nearby Marché Vert Noël, a festive holiday market featuring handmade products from local artisans, and plenty of food, wine, and Christmas treats. On December 24th, Courmayeur celebrates “its own” Santa Claus, Rhémy de Noël, a local traditional folk poetic figure. Children from all over send their letters or leave them in a special postbox located in Abbé Henry square; a group of volunteers answers each and every one of them. Courmayeur offers superb heliskiing, off-piste and cross-country skiing, as well as joy skating, fat biking, snow tubing, hiking, snow shoeing, climbing, cycling and much more.
Website: www.courmayeurmontblanc.it/en
Jade Mountain – Celebrate Christmas and New Year in St Lucia with a Singlemoon Package
Jade Mountain, St Lucia, is delighted to be offering their first ever Singlemoon Package for single travellers looking to indulge, recuperate and de-stress in the most breathtaking of surroundings this festive season. The luxury hotel has created this package to highlight the importance of celebrating oneself; and by embarking on this journey, guests will nurture the soul, focus purely on themselves and lift their mind and spirit. This incredible experience is completely tailored to the specific individual, with no Singlemoon experience alike. Guests will stay in one of the stunning open-walled Jade Mountain Star Sanctuaries, with views of the Pitons and the lush Caribbean Sea; and will have a variety of activities and spa treatments factored into their package, such as chocolate making, scuba diving and private yoga classes; along with bespoke meal plans.
Rates: Singlemoon prices start from US$7,580 for a 4-night stay and $12,650 for a 7-night stay.
Website: www.jademountain.com/
Hilton Seychelles – Celebrate the festive season at the luxurious Hilton Seychelles
Hilton Seychelles has an incredible array of activities to keep guests entertained this festive season, including a beautiful tree lighting ceremony, snorkelling in the crystal-clear sea of Mahé, and indulgent spa treatments. Sublime meals will be served from Christmas Eve through to New Year’s Day, with freshly-caught Barracuda, honey glazed turkey with all the trimmings, pan fried Cajun tofu, and homemade panettone all on the menu. Hilton Seychelles will continue its commitment to sustainability throughout the festive season with a Festive Sustainable Day taking place on 4th January, encouraging guests to partake in a variety of eco-friendly activities to support the environment around them.
Rates: Nightly rates start from €658 in a King Sunset Villa on Half Board basis.
Website: http://www.seychelles.hilton.
The Islands of Tahiti, a resort located on a private island the Motu Nao Nao.
Surrounded by crystal-clear, azure blue water and an endless open sky, Motu Nao Nao’s activities are naturally inspired by the ocean and flora surrounding it. The staff can organise private dives, fishing, snorkelling, jet-skiing and other water sports for you and your guests, including visits to the nearby Marae Taputapuatea (sacred place) and local pearl farms. The resort’s private chef has tailored the menu with locally and ethically sourced ingredients, with a “farm” on the island producing eggs, vegetables and spices and fish straight from the lagoon. Accompanied with Polynesian dance shows and private musical performances, a culinary experience in this private paradise is like no other.
Website: https://www.motunaonao.com/
