Why stick with the same old holiday traditions when the world has so much to offer? This festive season, let your personality take you to a destination that perfectly complements your holiday vibe. From thrilling adventures to tranquil retreats, here’s your ultimate Christmas getaway guide.
For the explorer: The One&Only Desaru Coast, Malaysia
If your Christmas spirit craves exploration, One&Only Desaru Coast in Malaysia offers the perfect escape. Swap chilly winter nights for warm bonfires under the stars and dive into the magic of local traditions. Whether you’re crafting gingerbread houses, creating vibrant batik art, or experiencing the spellbinding Wayang Kulit puppet shows, this is an adventure that redefines festive fun.
Darul Ta’zim, Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast Bandar Penawar, 90, 81930, Johor
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For the thrill-seeker: Aspen Snowmass, United States
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Head to Aspen Snowmass, where fresh powdery white snow and thrilling slopes await. This dreamy destination is gearing up for an incredible winter season, opening in less than 50 days! This year brings exciting updates, including the debut of the Coney Express high-speed quad lift at Snowmass and the 20th anniversary of the Art in Unexpected Places (ArtUP) program, featuring artist Alex Israel.
The season also hosts premier events like the X Games and the all-new Snow League at Buttermilk Mountain, marking a milestone year for park and halfpipe competitions. Get ready for an action-packed winter in Aspen Snowmass! With a backdrop of breathtaking alpine beauty, this snowy haven delivers unforgettable festive thrills.
Snowmass Village, CO, United States
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For the gourmet enthusiast: Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Recently named the #1 Resort in Asia by Condé Nast Traveller, Song Saa Private Island invites you to celebrate Christmas with a unique blend of nature, adventure, and community. This unique destination serves up a feast like no other. You can expect a festive Christmas Eve cocktail party with delicious canapés, a Khmer-style market, and a beachside BBQ led by Chef Bunseng.
Enjoy yoga, beach activities, and a special guest appearance on Christmas Day, followed by adventures with the Song Saa Foundation on Boxing Day that concludes with a outdoor cinema or bioluminescent night swim. Finally, round off the celebrations with a New Year’s Eve countdown featuring live music and vibrant festivities under the stars.
Koh Ouen Private Island, Koh Rong Archipelago, Near Sihanoukville, Cambodia
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For the star-studded celebrant: Soneva Resorts, Maldives
If you’re seeking a luxurious holiday brimming with extraordinary discoveries, Soneva’s Winter Collection promises an unforgettable experience. This season, the exclusive Soneva Stars programme gathers some of the world’s most esteemed chefs and experts to curate bespoke festive experiences. With specially crafted menus by culinary luminaries such as Tim Raue, Carolina Bazán, Marcel Skibba, and the celebrated duo Adam Dahlberg and Albin Wessman, you’ll indulge in exceptional dining, while curated dinners and tastings enhance the festive atmosphere.
Beyond the culinary delights, you can gaze at the stars with renowned astronomer Petr Horálek, rejuvenate through transformative wellness treatments with experts like Eduardo Sierra, or receive coaching from Olympic athletes and distinguished footballers. Soneva offers a festive season where every moment becomes a cherished, magical memory.
Medhufaru Island, Manadhoo, Maldives
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For the tropical escapist: The Residence Mauritius, Mauritius
A land of adventure, Mauritius offers a wealth of unforgettable excursions. A visit to the magnificent Chamarel Waterfall and the extraordinary Seven Coloured Earth awaits those in search of natural marvels. Surrounded by lush greenery, the waterfall presents a breathtaking spectacle, while the Seven Coloured Earth—a geological wonder — displays vibrant hues of red, brown, violet, green, blue, purple, and yellow.
The lively capital, Port Louis, blends history, shopping, and culinary delights. The Central Market, a vibrant hub of activity, enchants with its colourful array of fresh produce, spices, and local crafts. For those seeking tranquillity, the Black River Gorges National Park offers serene hiking trails amidst lush forests and striking landscapes. Home to rare bird species and endemic flora, the park is a haven for nature lovers.
A visit to the tea plantations at Bois Cheri or a stroll through the historic Pamplemousses Botanical Garden adds a cultural dimension to your Mauritian adventure. The plantations offer insight into the island’s colonial past and the significance of tea production, while the botanical garden – one of the oldest in the Southern Hemisphere – showcases exotic plants, including giant water lilies and talipot palms.
Mauritian culture, a vibrant blend of Indo-Mauritian, Creole, Sino-Mauritian, and Franco-Mauritian influences, creates a welcoming atmosphere that enhances every experience. Festivals, music, dance, and cuisine reflect this rich cultural heritage, inviting you to immerse yourself in the island’s traditions.
The Residence, Coastal Road, Quatre Cocos, Mauritius
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For the tradition keeper: Belmond, Italy
Celebrate Christmas with a touch of nostalgia and playful elegance. Belmond’s exclusive festive offerings, thoughtfully crafted to bring loved ones closer through a blend of playfulness and culinary indulgence. Delight in two exceptional experiences: Belmond’s limited edition of Monopoly La Villeggiatura and the newly released cookbook Liguria: Recipes & Wanderings Along the Italian Riviera.
Embark on a playful journey through Italy’s iconic destinations with Monopoly, where you can buy, sell, and trade luxurious Belmond hotels while immersing yourself in the essence of an Italian summer. Simultaneously, explore the rich culinary heritage of the Italian Riviera with authentic recipes that bring the region’s vibrant flavours into your own kitchen.
Roll the dice, savour the tastes, and create lasting memories with Belmond – whether gathered around the game board or sharing a meal at the table.
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For the luxe vacation lover: The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas – Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia
Mulia Bali offers a chic twist on holiday celebrations. Immerse yourself in a lavish festive season, featuring exquisite dining, sophisticated celebrations, and exceptional entertainment. The pinnacle of the festivities is the Glam & Glitz New Year’s Eve Celebration on 31 December, headlined by live performances from The Voice Australia’s GNat!on and the Stereo Stars band. You can also indulge in an array of festive dining experiences, with specially curated holiday menus at The Café, Soleil, Table8, and Edogin on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
For those celebrating at home, Mulia Bali offers a Christmas Feast To Go, available from 1-31 December, along with beautifully curated Christmas hampers filled with seasonal delicacies, beginning 15 November. Sweet enthusiasts will delight in holiday specialties from Cannele, including a unique reimagining of the traditional Yule Log. Families can enjoy a host of special activities, such as the Kids’ Corner and a visit from Santa on Christmas Day, ensuring enchanting moments for younger guests.
With a commitment to creating treasured holiday memories, Mulia Bali’s offerings promise a season filled with warmth, joy, and world-class hospitality. For more details and reservations, please visit this website or contact +62 361 301 7777.
Kawasan Sawangan, Jl. Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80362, Indonesia
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For the whole family: The Residence Bintan, Indonesia
Nestled within nature’s embrace, The Residence Bintan offers a tranquil and family-focused holiday retreat. This festive season, families are invited to immerse themselves in traditional Indonesian holiday customs, including sambal-making sessions and stargazing beneath the open sky, promising a memorable and culturally enriching experience.
With a variety of events planned from December through New Year’s Eve, guests can enjoy Indonesian coffee tastings, beachside sandcastle building, and cake-mixing ceremonies that symbolise unity. Christmas Eve celebrations include a heartwarming ‘Letter to Santa’ activity for children, traditional dances, and a grand buffet showcasing both international and local delicacies.
For those wishing to extend their stay, The Residence Bintan’s Stay Longer Offer presents a 15% discount on room bookings of two nights or more, daily breakfast for the entire family, complimentary resort activities, and a free shuttle service between the ferry terminal and resort. This idyllic retreat seamlessly blends luxury with nature, offering a peaceful yet vibrant festive experience for both families and couples alike – perfect for creating memories that last a lifetime.
For more information, please visit this website.
Kampung Galang Batang, RT.005/RW.003, Gn. Kijang, Kec. Gn. Kijang, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29151, Indonesia
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Let your personality pick your perfect place
This Christmas, let your festive spirit and personality lead you to destinations that promise so much more than a holiday — they offer extraordinary, unforgettable experiences. Whether in search of adventure, indulgence, tranquillity, or tradition, these luxury resorts will make this Christmas one to cherish for years to come.
Featured image: Song Saa Private Island
