Christmas is a time for giving – so why not gift yourself over the festive season with these luxurious destinations?
Montcalm Mayfair, London
The Lowdown: This five-star hotel blends Georgian elegance, and is rooted in the concept of ‘The Garden Moment’, which draws on the site’s history as an ancient forest. Its location means London’s festive lights and seasonal attractions are right on your doorstep, and inside retreat from the bustle to the YĀTRĀ Signature Spa. Dine at Lilli by Akira Back, where British cuisine meets Korean heritage and Japanese techniques. For a festive treat, the hotel’s Into the Garden Afternoon Tea takes on a seasonal spin, offering an imaginative take on the traditional ritual.
The Stay: The Drawing Room Suite is inspired by the renewal of London Spring, where floral tones and tactile textures offer a quiet respite from the city. With a spacious living room, spa-style bathroom, formal dining area, and master bedroom, it is ideal for guests seeking a tranquil space to host, relax, or retreat.
The Price: 24 to 27 December 2026 starts from £5,900 per night www.montcalmcollection.com
Nova, Maldives
The Lowdown: Located in the South Ari Atoll, Nova is one of the only places in the world with year-round whale shark sightings. The Garden Within stay sees Christmas Tree Lighting, storytelling on Christmas Day, and fireworks over the ocean on New Year’s Eve. At EsKape Spa, enjoy a Soma Nāda Sound Journey, plus signature treatments. Mizu’s overwater dining serves two festive menus, while couples can escape to a private sandbank for Champagne under the stars. You can also sample ‘Maldivian Flavours,’ a new plant-based dining series at Soul Kitchen reimagining native ingredients.
The Stay: The Water Villa with Private Pool is designed as a refuge of tranquillity, with a pool located over the lagoon, your own sundeck and direct access to the water. With a king-size bed, flat screen TV, rainfall shower and bathtub, the rooms also offer unbeatable views of the Indian Ocean.
The Price: 19 December 2026 to 7 January 2027 costs £1,119 per night. www.novamaldives.com
Villa Ricci, Mykonos
The Lowdown: Mykonos is synonymous with bustling crowds, and exclusive beach clubs. But when the party people depart, the slower pace of authentic life reappears. With average temperatures around 11℃, the mild winter days give way to spectacular sunsets, which you’ll appreciate with a stay at this villa. With 10 spacious bedrooms with ensuites, there’s also nine guest rooms with individual entrances to accommodate up to 38. All that plus a fully equipped gym, spa with jacuzzi and massage room, plus large outdoor infinity pool.
The Stay: At Villa Ricci you also benefit from a private butler and chef for the duration, waitresses to serve you your meals and drinks, private security, a driver should you wish to explore the island, and concierge support for the entirety of your stay.
The Price: £17,120 per night over the festive period. www.theacevip.com
Iglu Cruise: India, Sri Lanka & Christmas in South East Asia
The Lowdown: Why settle for just one destination over the festive period when you can experience three? This pioneering cruise concept redefines luxury travel by seamlessly blending the intimacy of river cruising, the discovery of expedition voyages, and the refined comfort of premium ocean travel. Crafted from the ground up by expert holiday curators, this unique voyage combines the finest aspects of global travel to offer a cruise experience they say you won’t find elsewhere.
The Stay: Embarking from Mumbai, India, and finishing in Singapore, this 20-night festive voyage bridges South East Asia over Christmas. The route takes you along India’s southwestern coast and down to Colombo, Sri Lanka, before crossing the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea to explore tropical stops in South East Asia.
The Price: From £4,449 per person based on two sharing a suite. www.iglucruise.com
Nujuma, Dubai
The Lowdown: For a Christmas escape surrounded by crystal clear water and soft white sand, Nujuma carries on the traditions of those who travelled across waters to discover the natural beauty, cultural heritage and colours of the Red Sea. Named after the Arabic word ‘nujoom’, meaning stars, enjoy nightly astronomy sessions led by the resident expert. Days can be spent exploring reefs, planting mangroves at the conservation centre or unwinding at Neyrah Spa, where local ingredients including Moringa Peregrina oil and bespoke wellness experiences take centre stage.
The Stay: The Royal Nujuma Villa is inspired by the shape and radiance of seashells, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic ocean views. With three bedrooms that sleep up to seven, three bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, and living and dining areas, it also has a private pool and telescope to explore the night sky.
The Price: From £51,000 for four nights. www.ritzcarlton.comCap Maison Resort & Spa, St Lucia
Selmen Marrakech, Morocco
The Lowdown: Set at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, this Jacques Garcia-designed palace is an evocative take on traditional Arab-Moorish architecture, with lavish interiors, Andalusian gardens and an 80-metre pool. Wellness is equally central to the experience, with the exclusive Chenot Spa offering a considered approach to rest and rejuvenation. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s private stables and Arabian horses, alongside exceptional dining and signature experiences.
The Stay: Villa Selman offers 700sqm of private, palatial living. The two-bedroom residence features a spacious living room, elegant dining area, two private bathrooms and dressing rooms, plus landscaped private garden with heated 15-metre pool. Guests benefit from a dedicated butler service, personalised check-in, VIP welcome amenities, and 24-hour room service throughout the stay.
The Price: A six-night stay from 24 to 30 December is priced at £33,255. www.selman-marrakech.com
Hilton Park Lane, London
The Lowdown: Hilton Park Lane offers an especially glamorous base for Christmas in the capital. Occupying an iconic Mayfair address overlooking Hyde Park, the hotel places guests within easy reach of Buckingham Palace, festive shopping on Bond Street and Regent Street, West End theatres and London’s seasonal attractions. Its elevated rooms and suites command sweeping views across the city, while the hotel’s restaurants, bar and attentive concierge service make it equally tempting to stay inside.
The Stay: The Presidential Two-Bedroom Suite accommodates up to four and is situated on the 27th floor. It features a private balcony, plus separate living and dining spaces, while its deep-blue and gold interior takes inspiration from the Royal Family’s equestrian heritage.
The Price: A four-night stay from 24 to 28 December 2026 is priced from £15,648. www.hilton.com
Cap Maison Resort & Spa, St Lucia
The Lowdown: Perched on a private clifftop on St. Lucia’s northern coast, this resort blends Caribbean luxury with a warm festive atmosphere. Spacious villa suites, private pools and sea views create a serene backdrop for slow, indulgent days, while thoughtful seasonal touches, from candlelit dinners to rum‑infused holiday treats, make Christmas feel truly special. Plus, just minutes away, Rodney Bay offers lively markets, marina strolls and vibrant dining for guests who want a dash of energy between moments of calm.
The Stay: Book an Oceanview Suite, including breakfast each morning, the option of either lunch or dinner, exclusive access to a private pool and rooftop terrace, and separate living and dining areas. Guests staying at the resort on Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve can also enjoy a complimentary festive dinner party with paired wines and entertainment.
The Price: From £1,574 per night based on two adults sharing. www.capmaison.com
Almanac Palais Vienna, Austria
The Lowdown: Housed in a building once home to Vienna’s nobility, this hotel combines the grandeur of the city’s heritage with sophisticated contemporary design. Your stay at Almanac is more than just a visit; it’s an immersion into the essence of Vienna’s rich history and modern allure. Rooms and suites have been individually designed, while the hotel’s wellness facilities provide a luxurious retreat after a day exploring the city, and include a 14-metre indoor pool, sauna, steam room and gym.
The Stay: TheVienna Art Suite includes a spacious living room and dining room, fully equipped kitchen, library, bedroom, dressing room and bathroom. Featuring a private collection of renowned Austrian works and complimentary access to all Belvedere venues, it also offers a corner view over Vienna’s historic Ringstraße.
The Price: A four-night stay from 25 to 29 December 2026 is priced at an average of £10,408.36. www.austria.info
Availability and prices are subject to change