The era of holiday escapes characterized by typical festivities and standard packages is over. Today’s traveler seeks the exceptional—a hint of exclusivity and deep engagement that turns a vacation into an unforgettable experience. A report from McKinsey & Company for 2024 shows that the trend for personalized and unique experiences is transforming the hospitality sector. Top hotels worldwide are adapting with specially curated services—from designer partnerships and helicopter excursions to customized dining options and immersive cultural experiences. These locales promise a holiday season unlike any other.
Four Seasons Resort and Residence Whistler, Canada
Nestled in the snowy peaks of British Columbia, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler offers a carefully curated lineup of festive activities and après-ski options this winter, each meant to evoke the magic and delight of the season.
A major attraction is The Library by The Macallan, a partnership between the resort and the renowned Scottish distillery. Reopened on November 28 for the 2024 season after its debut last winter, The Library features a new immersive experience called “A Journey Through Colour,” celebrating the art of whisky-making by showcasing various hues of single malt Scotches. Whisky enthusiasts can savor innovative cocktails or choose from 12 different The Macallan bottles in the lounge’s cozy fireplace ambiance.
If adventure is what you seek, the hotel’s 45-minute helicopter tour takes full advantage of its prime mountainside position. Guests experience an unforgettable flight over the Coast Mountains, making a memorable stop on a tranquil mountaintop for delightful cocoa and breathtaking vistas.
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Gleneagles Hotel, Auchterarder, United Kingdom
The historic Scottish estate celebrates its 100th year with an extravagant Christmas program. Located near Auchterarder, the Gleneagles Hotel offers sprawling grounds blanketed in December snow, creating the perfect setting for lavish holiday activities. During Christmas, guests can enjoy a variety of carefully organized events, including an enchanting pantomime, a visit from Santa’s reindeer, and wine tastings. An ice rink is also constructed on-site for winter, hosting performances from European and World Championship skaters on Christmas Eve.
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Halekulani Okinawa, Japan
For those who lean towards a seaside Christmas, Halekulani Okinawa fuses Hawaiian charm with Japanese traditions. The theme for the 2024 festive season is “Me ke aloha pumehana,” meaning “With all my love” in Hawaiian. Reflecting this sentiment, the hotel hosts various Christmas activities, including quilling art and crafting cork trees and wreaths. Halekulani also provides a Santa Claus gift delivery service, allowing guests to leave gifts for loved ones and enjoy a personalized ‘visit’ from Santa himself.
As New Year approaches, the hotel honors its culture through traditional Japanese activities. Guests can learn to weave miniature shimenawa ropes, sacred Shinto decorations used in New Year celebrations, or engage in kakizome, a practice of writing auspicious blessings for the upcoming year.
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Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Famous for featuring in two James Bond films and hosting an Andy Warhol exhibition, Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo exudes glamour and elegance. Its Christmas festivities are equally exquisite. The hotel’s Belle Époque lobby sparkles even more with a Christmas tree created by Swiss luxury brand Chopard. Daily from December 14 to January 5, guests can enjoy “Festive Afternoon Tea,” featuring hot chocolate crafted by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse at 3pm in the lobby.
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The Mark, New York
The Mark Hotel is renowned as “the starriest hotel lobby in the world,” setting itself apart with chic hospitality experiences. This luxury destination on the Upper East Side hosts North America’s largest penthouse, serving as the setting for The Mark Holiday Penthouse Spectacular, where guests celebrate a quintessential New York Christmas with privacy and exclusivity.
The Mark, often referred to as the “unofficial red carpet” for Met Gala guests and celebrities, maintains its ties with the historic museum during the winter. Guests in the Penthouse receive a private after-hours visit to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, guided by an expert. The luxury experience is further enhanced with late-night private shopping at Bergdorf Goodman.
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The Plaza, New York
Few establishments capture the essence of Christmas like The Plaza in New York City. This iconic hotel on Fifth Avenue has embedded itself in popular culture as a holiday paradise, highlighted by appearances in films like “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and the “Eloise” series. During the festive season, The Plaza brings these enchanting cinematic moments to life with its holiday offerings.
The Plaza’s most recognized holiday offering is the “Home Alone” package, allowing guests to experience New York as Kevin McCallister did. Visitors are taken on a private limousine tour of the city’s famous filming locations like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and Radio City Music Hall. The Plaza also provides the “Suitest Season of All” package, converting one of its luxurious suites into a festive home with fairy lights, red and white flowers, and a 7-foot Balsam Hill Christmas tree.
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Ritz Paris, France
Located in the prestigious Place Vendôme, The Ritz Paris has become a cultural symbol in France, attracting guest icons like Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, and King Edward VII. Beyond that, Surrealism, a prominent artistic movement, originated in Paris during the 1920s. To commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Surrealism, The Ritz Paris incorporates these artistic elements into its year-end festivities.
Designed by acclaimed illustrator Jonathan Burton, signature elements of The Ritz Paris are integrated into Surrealist decor—such as quirky depictions of golden-winged hats, The Ritz tulip lamp transformed into a fashionable gown, and the iconic Ritz Paris key playfully scattered. The theme extends to this year’s Christmas tree, embellished with original poetry and branches resembling Surrealist jewelry made of gold thread, crystal pendants, and feathers.
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The Peninsula Hong Kong
This flagship hotel evokes nostalgia each Christmas by recreating its origins from 1928. The hotel lobby is transformed into a luxurious 1920s-style train—The Peninsula Express—painted in the hotel’s signature green and accented with gold. Passengers aboard this “train” can relish afternoon tea or a buffet while enjoying a simulated journey featuring famous landmarks inspired by Beijing and Shanghai.
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Brown’s Hotel, London
Considered London’s oldest luxury hotel, Brown’s has hosted a plethora of distinguished guests since it opened in 1832. Renowned authors like Agatha Christie and Rudyard Kipling frequented the hotel, which was also a favorite retreat of the Roosevelt family. Recently, Brown’s has established new partnerships with fashion houses. This season, it collaborates with luxury brand Golden Goose.
The Italian fashion and footwear brand brings its unique luxurious touch to Brown’s for the holiday season. The hotel’s decorations will feature their signature golden star motif, culminating in a specially designed tree with rich gold and purple hues. Additionally, the Golden Goose x Brown’s Hotel partnership introduces the Golden Getaway package—a two-night stay in a luxurious suite, including a complimentary pair of Golden Goose’s iconic distressed sneakers. Guests will also receive a VIP pass for customizing their shoes at Golden Goose’s Bond Street store alongside the brand’s artisans.
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