The World’s Most Enchanting Holiday Escapes: 10 Luxury Destinations to Celebrate the Season

From snow-dusted alpine peaks to sun-soaked Caribbean shores, the festive season is the perfect excuse to experience the world in all its seasonal splendor. Whether you crave the cozy magic of a European Christmas market, the thrill of Arctic adventure, or the relaxed elegance of a tropical hideaway, these ten luxury resorts offer unforgettable celebrations for every traveler. Immerse yourself in curated experiences, from fireside s’mores under Montana stars to private island revelries in Panama, and discover how the world rings in the holidays in style, comfort, and wonder.

1.Big Sky, Montana | Debuting its first festive season in November 2025, One&Only Moonlight Basin invites guests to celebrate amidst the untamed beauty of Big Sky, Montana. Nestled across 8,100 acres of pristine wilderness, the resort blends alpine adventure with refined celebration—think tree lightings and Santa sightings, fireside s’mores under starlit skies, and direct gondola access to Big Sky Resort’s legendary slopes. From ice fishing and snowshoeing to guided nature walks, every moment is crafted to honor the magic of winter in the mountains.

2.Costa Rica | As one of Costa Rica’s newest luxury escapes, Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve offers a masterfully curated blend of nature, culture, and celebration on the breathtaking Peninsula Papagayo. Perched on a cliffside with a wooden suspension bridge and glass elevator to the beach, the resort’s architecture is as striking as its surroundings. Guests ring in the new year with panoramic Pacific views and bespoke menus that fuse Costa Rican flavors with global finesse—from artisanal coffee rituals to Peruvian fine dining at Puna and Iberian-inspired bites at Niri Beach Club. With private plunge pools, botanical cocktails, guided hikes, SurfX lessons, and sunset cruises, the festive season at Nekajui is where wild beauty meets refined indulgence.

3.Germany | At Rosewood Munich, the festive season unfolds in the heart of Bavaria with fairy-tale elegance and immersive charm. Just steps from the city’s most iconic Christmas markets—including Marienplatz, Residenz, and Sendlinger Tor—the hotel offers effortless access to twinkling stalls, mulled wine, and artisan treasures. Inside, Baroque architecture is adorned with seasonal finery, setting the stage for whimsical experiences like Snow White Afternoon Tea, gingerbread baking with Hänsel & Gretel, and Swarovski-adorned patisserie. Adults indulge in rejuvenating spa rituals and creative workshops, while children embark on sweet adventures. It’s a celebration where heritage meets imagination—crafted for every generation.

4.Iceland | At Deplar Farm, Iceland’s most exclusive winter retreat, the festive season unfolds in a breathtaking blend of Arctic adventure, wellness rituals, and cozy luxury. Nestled deep in the remote Troll Peninsula, this former sheep farm transforms into a snow-draped sanctuary where guests celebrate the holidays in harmony with nature. Days are filled with heli-skiing across untouched peaks, snowmobile adventures through frozen valleys, and whale watching in nearby fjords. Evenings invite Northern Lights soaking from geothermally heated pools and festive meals crafted by Icelandic chefs using local ingredients. This is not your typical white Christmas—it’s a high-touch, high-adrenaline, deeply restorative Arctic escape.

5.New York City |  At Mandarin Oriental, New York, the festive season rises above the city in a celebration of sparkle, warmth, and wonder. Perched high above Columbus Circle with sweeping views of Central Park, the hotel transforms into a luxurious holiday haven. Guests can book the Home for the Holidays package, where suites are adorned with a 7.5-foot Christmas tree, gingerbread houses ready for decorating, and a personalized shopping experience at Nordstrom NYC. Seasonal delights unfold daily with festive afternoon tea at MO Lounge, including Brunch with Santa. Christmas Day brings a lavish brunch buffet and a prix fixe menu crafted by Executive Chef Sylvain Delpique, while The Cake Shop tempts with limited-edition Bûche de Noël and handcrafted desserts by Pastry Chef Ron Paprocki. For Thanksgiving, parade-viewing suites offer aerial views of the Macy’s floats and balloons—turning every moment into a celebration above the skyline.

6.Panama | This festive season, escape to Nayara Bocas del Toro, a private island sanctuary in Panama’s Caribbean archipelago where barefoot luxury meets tropical serenity. Designed exclusively for adults, the resort’s overwater villas and jungle-cloaked treehouses offer panoramic views and peaceful seclusion. Days unfold with sloth spotting, dolphin watching, and nature walks through lush biodiversity, while island hopping and snorkeling reveal nearby treasures like Cayo Zapatilla and Dolphin Bay. As the year turns, celebrate with fireworks dancing across the sea, beach parties under the stars, and the pulse of live Caribbean rhythms—where holiday menus blend global flavors. No snow, no crowds—just sea breezes, candlelit dinners, and the gentle hum of nature.

7.South Africa | Lanzerac, in the heart of South Africa’s Stellenbosch wine country—just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town—offers a soulful retreat where artful heritage meets warm Winelands hospitality. Surrounded by lush vineyards and a majestic mountain backdrop, the estate invites guests to embrace the slower rhythms of the season—whether through fireside tastings, quiet garden strolls, or reflective moments in its storied halls. From 1 December to 15 January, the White Wine Cellar hosts a seasonal watercolour exhibition by Stephen J Quirke, celebrating the beauty and truth of the Cape through delicate brushwork. It’s a festive escape steeped in elegance, culture, and calm.

8.St. Barth | At Cheval Blanc St-Barth Isle de France, the festive season unfolds in a symphony of sunlit sophistication and joyful indulgence. Begin with seasonal cocktails at the White Bar, then savor a holiday dinner at La Case, where island elegance meets culinary artistry. On December 31, the Tribal Chic Party invites guests to celebrate with their feet in the sand, a live DJ, and dazzling surprises that blend Caribbean rhythm with Parisian sparkle. Younger guests can delight in the whimsical Christmas Garden, while adults rejuvenate at the serene Cheval Blanc Spa—where every detail is designed to elevate the spirit of the season.

9.Switzerland | Set in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Tschuggen Grand Hotel is a sanctuary of alpine elegance and iconic design. Its futuristic Tschuggen Express—a private gondola exclusive to guests—offers direct ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes, redefining mountain luxury with every ascent. Beyond the powder, guests can build snowmen on sunlit terraces, plunge into ice baths before retreating to the spa’s soaring sauna sails, and explore the wintry wilderness with the help of outdoor butlers. A visit to the nearby Arosa Bear Sanctuary adds a soulful touch to the adventure. This is Switzerland at its most inspired—where nature, architecture, and exclusivity converge.

10.U.K. | At Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, just over an hour’s drive from central London, the festive season unfolds across 500 acres of rolling English countryside—where heritage and warmth meet joyful tradition. Guests are invited to celebrate with carolling at the Manor House, gourmet dinners at Wild Carrot, and a grand Christmas Day feast in The Ballroom. From horse-drawn carriage rides through the Dogmersfield Estate to theatrical pantomimes and forest walks dotted with animal sculptures, every moment is crafted to enchant. Families delight in gingerbread crafts and Santa visits, while adults unwind with alpine fondue at Off Piste or rustic Italian fare at La Terrazza. With a Christmas shop brimming with festive treats, Four Seasons Hampshire offers a refined escape where countryside charm meets seasonal sparkle—just beyond the city’s reach.

No matter your ideal holiday vision, whether it be adventurous, tranquil, or indulgently festive, these ten destinations promise more than a getaway; they deliver a season to remember. With bespoke experiences, breathtaking settings, and a touch of magic in every moment, your festive escape becomes a story worth sharing. Wherever you choose to celebrate, one thing is certain: the holidays have never looked (or felt) so extraordinary.