Travel is, by far, the best gift you can give your favorite people. As we head into the holiday season may I present “12 Stays of Christmas” to consider for your 2023 adventures.
Selman Marrakech, Marrakech, Morocco
At the foot of the Atlas Mountains, you’ll find Selman Marrakech, a palace-turned-boutique-hotel that immerses you in Moroccan culture. Inside, the 60 rooms (including five suites and five villas) exude an Arab-Moorish ambiance with traditional furnishings and rich, colorful fabrics. Plus, six restaurants and bars designed by Jacques Garcia feature plush seating and ornate chandeliers. There are even onsite stables for the hotel’s award-winning Arabian thoroughbreds.
Kimpton Vividora Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Kimpton Vividora Hotel is a design lover’s dream, from the warm, earthy tones of the 156 residential-style guestrooms and suites (some with private terraces and deep soaking tubs) to the lush greenery and sweeping views of the rooftop pool and bar. Guests can enjoy sharable plates at Fauna, therapeutic massages and rituals in the wellness rooms, and easy access to Las Ramblas, buzzing with museums, markets, galleries, and cafés.
Tivoli Avenida Liberdade, Lisbon, Portugal
With a guest list that’s included everyone from royalty to heads of state (and a history that dates back to 1933), Tivoli Avenida Liberdade is Lisbon’s place to see and be seen. This elegant, urban hotel features 285 rooms and suites outfitted with custom toiletries and oversized bathrooms, plus two exclusive restaurants and three bars, including the rooftop venue, Sky Bar. There’s also a full-service spa dedicated to celebrity-worthy treatments like lifting facials and signature treatments to help recover from jet lag or a simple walk around the city.
Dromoland Castle, County Clare, Ireland
A historic castle with a rich past, Dromoland Castle combines authentic Irish hospitality with the finest in modern luxuries. Guests come for the world-class golf, outstanding cuisine, intimate spa, and magical setting next to a glistening lake. The 450-acre country estate is considered one of Europe’s most desirable destinations, with its championship 18-hole golf course, falconry, and host of fun country pursuits. At the gateway to the Cliffs of Moher, the Wild Atlantic Way, and West of Ireland, enjoy the best of Ireland’s scenery before returning to five-star comforts, log fires, afternoon tea, and the warmest of Irish welcomes.
Six Senses Crans-Montana, Switzerland (Opening February 2023)
Enjoy direct ski-in and ski-out access to a natural high-altitude playground. Be part of a vibrant village life with a rich social scene, dining, shopping, and major events and activities in winter and summer. Restore tired legs in Six Senses Spa, which blends high-tech biohacking with high-touch therapies. At the end of each day, return under a blanket of stars to cozy up at the open-air cinema or relive the day’s adventures by the crackling fire in the bar. Welcome to Six Senses Crans-Montana hotel, where vitality meets serenity.
The Brando, Arue, French Polynesia, Tahiti
One of the things that bring guests back to The Brando year after year is the Fare Manu Experience at our Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa. High in a canopy of palm trees, 20 feet above the ground, Fare Manu – or Bird House – sits like a tranquil cocoon between heaven and earth. Discover the legendary couples spa suite with breathtaking views and take flight while you share a moment of unique relaxation with your favorite partner.
Tabacon, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
A stream from hot springs runs along the base of Arenal Volcano – and behind the entire health spa concept of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa. Few experiences are as healing as soaking in these mineral-rich waters, listening to the rain forest’s soundtrack play through an open-air spa bungalow. Indulge in a volcanic mud wrap or coffee exfoliation after hiking in the jungle, zip-lining through its canopy, kayaking, or white-water rafting. The 103 accommodations feature furnishings and handicrafts from local artisans; families find a variety of connecting rooms and suites with pint-size amenities.
andBeyond Bateleur Camp, Kichwa Tembo, Kenya, Africa
Reflecting the ambiance of 1920s and 1930s classic Kenyan safaris, andBeyond Bateleur Camp boasts luxurious safari tents complete with private butler service, ceiling fans, and spacious ensuite bathrooms. In close proximity to where the famous final scene of ‘Out of Africa’ was filmed, this magnificent camp is set on a private concession allowing one to explore by day or night, on foot or in a vehicle in the company of your expert safari guide. In the late afternoon, head out in open safari vehicles, and in the evenings have an exclusive experience, a night safari that offers an opportunity to seek out nocturnal wildlife.
Canyon Ranch, Lenox, Massachusetts, United States
Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort sits in the heart of the wooded Berkshires within walking distance of the lovely, culture-rich town of Lenox. Your personalized getaway will be whatever you want it to be. You could meet with experts on everything from exercise physiology to food and nutrition before retreating to your gracious accommodations. Indulge in sumptuous spa treatments and dine on healthful cuisine with plenty of choices at every meal. Enjoy outdoor activities from hiking and kayaking to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Inclement weather is no problem in this 126-room haven; glassed-in walkways connect the facilities.
Palacio del Inka, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Cusco, Peru
Inca emperors and Spanish conquistadores once made their homes at Palacio del Inka. Today, the historic mansion offers a conquering experience with its hand-carved furnishings, deep jewel tones, Peruvian textiles, and colonial-era artworks. Even the original walls stand intact. Set across from the ancient Koricancha Temple and just minutes from the main square, the 203-room hotel is ideal for exploring this foot-friendly city. More sensuous discoveries are made at the spa, which combines Andean wisdom with modern techniques. Organic and locally sourced ingredients go into the regionally influenced fare at Inti Raymi.
The Estate Yountville, Yountville, California
In the Culinary Mecca of Napa Valley, they are a gateway to world-renowned wines, top-rated Michelin-star restaurants, exhilarating outdoor adventures, and vineyard experiences.
Moskito Island, British Overseas Territory, British Virgin Islands
At Sir Richard Branson’s exclusive Moskito Island, the only requirements are beachwear and a sense of adventure. The casual yet over-the-top resort is all-inclusive, and everything from meals and drinks to watersports equipment is included – guests can even book a DJ for a night. Stay in one of the luxury private estates, villas that come with fully equipped kitchens, wraparound infinity-edge pools, and the expected highly attentive service.
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