Where would you go to celebrate Christmas if money was no object? Yes, you can take all your nearest and dearest too. Would it be somewhere tropical or a white Christmas? An opulent city escape or somewhere tranquil and serene? As our little Christmas gift to you here are the places we would rather be this festive season.
Ski Christmas
If you love all the Christmas songs dedicated to a snowy Northern hemisphere holiday perhaps the posh pistes of Klosters, Telluride or Niseko are what you’re looking for.
Haven Niseko is the ultimate luxury boutique chalet-hotel with breathtaking views of Mt Yotei and the Grand Hirafu ski runs. Luxury for even the fussiest snow bunny. www.niseko.com
Beaver Creek is THE North American ski resort. This winter wonderland has every mod con and luxury amenity imaginable and Winterfest is currently in full swing. This intimate ski in and ski out alpine village features covered walkways and guaranteed fresh powder courtesy of the Snow Refresh project. www.beavercreek.com/
Christmas in Paris
After what some would say is a much overdue restoration, the world’s most famous hotel is back. Nearly 4 years and €200 million later, the early 18th century palace is back to César Ritz’s vision: “all the refinement that a prince could desire in his own home.”
With the world’s first Chanel spa – Chanel au Ritz Paris and a 21,500 square-foot garden oasis, the reborn Ritz is one of the world’s most luxurious spots to spend the holidays. www.ritzparis.com
In the City of Light there is no shortage of timeless accommodations to enjoy the holiday season. The Four Seasons Hotel George V or the Shangri-La both both have bucket loads of Parisian savoir-faire.
A Tropical Christmas
Somewhere warm might be the brief. Number three on the Luxury Travel Intelligence world’s top 10 new 5 star hotels is Soneva Jani in the Maldives.
Soneva Jani offers both over the top overwater villas and island suites. Fantastic diving and snorkelling are a given in these crystal clear waters. Each water villa has a retractable roof in the bedroom for stargazing and some villas sport slides from the top floor straight into the lagoon. www.soneva.com/soneva–jani/
Christmas Close to home
If the thought of long flights doesn’t appeal how about a quick trip across the ditch to Helena Bay Lodge in the northeast of New Zealand’s North Island.
Owned by /Russian billionaire, Alexander Abramov, no expense has been spared in this secluded Kiwi resort. Designed for no more than 5 couples the retreat includes four private beaches and each villa offers a private balcony of the picture perfect Helena Bay. Needless to say this is an ‘Adults Only’ resort.
Chef Ernesto Iaccarino of the Michelin starred Ristorante Don Alfonso 1890 created the ‘Estate to Plate’ menu with Head Chef Michele Martino in charge of the day to day. www.helenabay.com
Wherever you spend your Christmas break, everyone here at This Magnificent Life wishes you the very best of the season – stay happy and healthy.
