It happens every year, December rolls around and it’s go, go, go. Our calendars fill up with back-to-back parties, canapés become diet staples, we sleep less, drink more and rush around buying last-minute gifts. All these are nice until the time we need to be a little bit more private… Why don’t go somewhere away with beloved ones and enjoy the best time of the year as unique experience this Christmas…?
Here you can find some of our previous wisdom for places, spaces and favorite hotels especially in New York City. Enjoy..!
WHISTLER, CAPITALS
Why: Dreaming of a white Christmas? It doesn’t get much merrier than North America’s favourite ski resort, where snow is guaranteed, as are festively freezing temperatures. As well as a heap of family entertainment (the weekly Fire & Ice show sees skiers jumping through fiery hoops), there’s everything from ice skating to snowmobiling for the kids, and the slopes stay open on Christmas Day. Large, luxurious chalets are plentiful around Whistler Village: many with gorgeous viewsof Blackcomb Peak, patio heaters for outdoor evenings, and games rooms to keep all ages entertained.
Insider tip: Canadians are more likely to feast on pumpkin pie than Christmas pud on 25 December. Save the hassle of making your own and pick one up at local favourite Peaked Pies – it’s actually an Aussie bakery, but Whistler’s hungry skiers love it.
NEW YORK CITY, USA
Why: Sure, everyone knows Christmas in New York is special – but do they know it’s romantic, too? From ice-skating under the Rockefeller Center tree, to riding the gorgeously restored, vintage Jane’s Carousel on the East River-front, and strolling hand-in-hand across a twinkly Brooklyn Bridge, this is movie-grade amour.
This being NYC, of course, you can also find some cutting-edge takes on Christmas classics. Such as an erotic spin on The Nutcracker by neo-Baroque dance troupe Company XIV, performing in Bushwick until 13 January 2019.
Insider tip: Cuddle up on a Christmassy date at Williamsburg’s Nitehawk Cinema, showing It’s A Wonderful Life and Scrooged on 23 December 2018. Even better, you can order food and cocktails right to your seat.
Perhaps there’s no city more magical than New York City at Christmas. An already vibrant metropolis transforms into a dazzling wonderland; a reminder that December 25 and all the marvel that comes with it awaits. During the festive season, New York’s most lauded hotels play a key role in the city’s parade of festivities. From in-room decorations with all the trimmings to shoulder-high kicks from the world-famous Rockettes, some New York hotels pull out all the stops, suggesting special menus and holiday packages to welcome visitors to the city at the most wonderful time of the year..!
Where to stay :
Lotte New York Palace
Christmas here feels fit for royalty, all tinselled marble pillars and grand staircases lined with baubled pines. A showstopping 30ft Christmas tree towers in the centre courtyard.
This year’s headline seasonal package includes 25 per cent off tickets to see the renowned dance troupe the Rockettes on stage in the Christmas Spectacular, an extravagant pageantry at Radio City Music Hall, and discounted accommodation (from $689/£522 for two people, until 2 January). Head to Tavern On 51 for a wintry cocktail like Cranberry Garland with rosemary and gin, or stock up on Christmas macaroons in the on-site bakery.
The Plaza
This New York classic’s Todd English Food Hall has cooked up child-friendly Christmas meal packages that include a VIP photo with Santa (until December 22). Father Christmas will also be doing story readings at select times in Eloise’s Tea Room. Meanwhile adults can indulge in yule-time afternoon tea in the stained-glass-domed splendour of the Palm Court; think turkey sandwiches with cranberry aioli and egg nog cream eclaires. Christmas Day brings an extravagant Grand Buffet with turkey and soaked pears, cabernet-soaked beef, and smoked-pit ham.
Baccarat Hotel and Residences New York
An opulent addition in Midtown, it’s directly across from MoMA and Manhattan’s Museum Mile, where you’ll find the Met, Guggenheim and many more. The first spa by La Mer in the US is located there and about 15,000 iridescent crystal pieces throughout the 50-storey property, including 2,000 Harcourt glasses affixed to LED lights build into the foyer wall producing a light show that sits within the realm of magic. To learn more about this top hotel, your correspondent spoke with Baccarat’s chief concierge, Francisco Andeliz. Having worked in New York’s hospitality industry for 14 years, there’s little Andeliz does not know.
Start off the day enjoying breakfast in the hotel’s sun-strewn Grand Salon. From there, set out to discover the city’s rich French history, which dates back to 1621. Take a ride down Lafayette Street, named for Marquis de Lafayette who served as a major-general under George Washington, while en-route to Battery Park to see France’s most beloved gift to NYC, the Statue of Liberty. Then head to SoHo to sample some of the world’s best macarons from Ladurée, a Parisian tea restaurant founded back in 1862, and enjoy authentic French pastries in the restaurant’s garden setting. In the evening, I would have to recommend dinner at master chef Daniel Boulud’s temple of gastronomy, Daniel, followed by a Broadway show.
The St. Regis New York
Ideally placed alongside the Fifth Avenue shopping district with its iconic holiday window displays. At Christmas, the hotel is decorated with thousands of sparkling holiday lights, fragrant pine, and life-sized toy soldiers. A giant tree and menorah steals the show in the Cognac Room. Guests can quaff winter-warming cocktails like the rum-based Maxfield Parrish, named after the muralist of the same name whose artwork adorns the bar. Children will love the gingerbread-decorating workshop on December 16. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a special menu features the likes of lobster bisque, Hudson Valley pheasant and egg nog gelato.
The Peninsula New York
This 1905 landmark gets some serious jingle-jangle treatment in winter, all garlands, reindeer, sparkling Christmas lights, and poinsettias. The ‘Nights Before Christmas’ package for children includes an in-room gingerbread playhouse, candy cane scavenger hunt, and biscuit decorating kit (from $1,145/£867).
Guests can also tour the tens of thousands of Christmas lights that take over Dykers Heights Brooklyn in a chauffeured car (from $1395/£1056). Sip on a rum and nutmeg cocktail in the bar or book in for a five-course Christmas Eve feast with pepper-crusted duck breast and bûche de Noël accompanied by Victorian carols.
Four Seasons New York
The merriment begins November 30 with the annual lighting of the dramatic 33ft tree accompanied by Louis Roederer champagne and carols from a children’s choir to raise money for the Toys for Tots charity. Holiday Brunches are being held every Saturday and Sunday in The Garden (November 25 to December 31), all gingerbread waffles, ‘slice of yule’ French toast, and belly-warming pork belly with broth. On Christmas Day, a slap-up breakfast in the morning, cookies and spiced apple cider, and a dinner with chestnut bisque, Wagyu beef, and rack of lamb complete the stonking food offerings.
The Chatwal
Their package in partnership with Bloomingdale’s will appeal to Christmas shoppers; a chauffeur whisks guests away in a red Mercedes Benz for a personal shopping appointment at Bloomingdale’s Suite, ‘At Your Service’. A ‘Little Red Brown Bag’ courtesy of The Chatwal + Bloomie’s is also thrown in (from $620/£470). Every Saturday in December (as well as December 24 and 25), The Chatwal’s Lambs Club is hosting a carols brunch complete with eggs en cocotte and stuffed French toast; a selection of hot cocoa with tempting toppings warm the bones. Sunday Suppers throughout December spell Christmassy treats like sautéed foie gras and Nova Scotia lobster.
Le Parker Meridien New York
This option near Central Park decks the halls with style so much that you feel like an A-lister. Guests can browse the indoor-outdoor Christmas market for homeware, jewellery, and last-minute gifts, as well as sweet treats ranging from Glazed & Confused donuts to Brazilian bon bons (until December 23). Enjoy a festive glass of champagne with bitters and orange in the Knave bar or grab some temporary respite from the franticness of the holiday season in the wellness centre. Custom facials, Christian Louboutin manicures and Red Carpet Ready makeovers promise to get guests party ready.
BERLIN, GERMANY
Why: If you’re looking to combine Yuletide cheer with a breathless party scene, you won’t go far wrong with Berlin. The Germans practically invented Christmas (we have them to thank for embellishments including decorated trees, baubles and tinsel), and they’re the undisputed world champions of the Christmas market (find a toboggan run and ice rink at Potsdamer Platz; Alexanderplatz packs a Ferris wheel and Christmas ‘pyramid’ with more than 5,000 lights). The city’s club scene hardly closes down for Christmas, however; on the contrary, it often ramps up. Notorious Berghain traditionally throws a 12-hour Christmas Day bash, kicking off at midnight.
Insider tip: A 12-hour club stint requires planning: regular Berghainers recommend sturdy shoes and at least one T-shirt change. Dresses and heels aren’t simply impractical – and usually induce the bouncers to turn you away.
Where to stay :
HOTEL ADLON KEMPINSKI
This glamorous dame has had some hard knocks, but she still turns heads. The hotel was bombed in the war and only restored to its former glory in 1997. The clientele is star-studded – Charlie Chaplin nearly lost his trousers in a scrum of fans in the foyer; Greta Garbo came here when she wanted to be alone.
The intimate Lorenz Adlon restaurant has won a Michelin star for its fine French food; the Quarré restaurant brings a light cosmopolitan touch to some familiar Central European staples. If you prefer a quieter snack, the lobby bar serves up a delicious Wiener schnitzel. There are 303 rooms and 81 suites.
Unter den Linden 77, 10117 Berlin
VAL D’ISERE, FRANCE
Why: This St-Tropez-on-snow is the party ski resort, and a Christmas card-worthy delight this time of year, too. Here in the powder-swept Alps, there’s no shortage of festive markets, steaming vin chaud, or decadent Christmas menus paired with Champagne. On Christmas Day, ski lifts are open as usual and Dick’s Tea Bar, the party place-to-be, brings the après with resident DJs. Plus, Val has been outdoing itself with ultra-luxe chalets lately: seven-room Chalet Husky has a climbing wall, infinity waterfall and space for rifle shooting and archery; at Arctic Townhouse, you’ll find a sauna, indoor hot tub and screening room.
Insider tip: Luxury travel specialist Scott Dunn tells us you can’t beat L’Atelier d’Edmond for a decadent Christmas dinner. This double-Michelin-starred stunner typically rustles up a tasting menu that forgoes turkey for the more refined flavours of Arctic char and deer.
FINNISH LAPLAND
Why: Christmas in Lapland needn’t just be for kids: throw over Santa and snowmen for cosy nights in glass igloos, and romantic husky-sled rides through forests glittering with frost. Head up to Ylläs and you can even get steamy in a sauna gondola: a cable car converted into a sauna, which takes guests on a 20-minute ride. An outdoor Jacuzzi session and traditional sauna are included in the (admittedly steep) price. Note that a typical Lappish Christmas dinner often involves reindeer, which seems like a truth only suitable for an adult.
Insider tip: If you’re looking to work off all that Christmas food, Ylläs National Park recently opened up its snowshoe tracks to fatbikers, so you can pedal your way around this wintry wonderland and work up a real sweat.
DUDE RANCH, COLORADO
Why: For a solo Christmas with just the right mix of adventure and home comforts, playing cowboy (or cowgirl) at a dude ranch in the Rocky Mountains could be ideal. You’ll spend your days getting active in that crisp mountain air – riding horses, learning to shoot and lasso – and evenings sharing hearty home-cooked meals, swapping stories around a campfire or square-dancing at the local saloon. Colorado’s little mountain towns come alive with holiday lights and festivities this time of year, and the region is stuffed with dude ranches offering seasonal packages, which typically include a snowy horseback ride and family-style feast on Christmas Day.
Insider tip: Dude ranches come in all styles and sizes, so do your research on the vibe. Sundance Trail Guest Ranch, for example, is small and low-key, with a real focus on a homestay-style experience, while C Lazy U Ranch is more like a hotel and goes all-out with sleigh rides and Santa PAs.
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