As the year draws to its glittering close, the world’s most alluring destinations take on an extra layer of magic. From sun-drenched enclaves, where winter feels like a rumour, to storied cities dressed in twinkling lights, the festive season offers a rare invitation to indulge—whether in haute cuisine, secluded luxury, or once-a-year cultural spectacles. For the discerning traveller, these escapes transcend mere holidays, becoming rituals of renewal and celebration. Here, we spotlight the standout locales where year-end wanderlust meets refined living, and where the final chapter of the year is written with utmost style.
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TA’AKTANA, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Labuan Bajo
This year’s festivities at the stunning luxury resort celebrate the yuletide season, while paying homage to Indonesia’s living traditions. The resort’s dining venues—Leros, Umasa, and Taba—each with their individual charms, will present a culinary experience that blends global sophistication with local flair on Christmas Eve. When the long-awaited day arrives, meet Santa as he arrives in style in a traditional wooden boat. This will be followed by a lavish Christmas brunch at Leros, which highlights international delights and Indonesia’s vast archipelago. Ta’aktana will then close the year with a Beachfront Gala Dinner and Countdown with the debut of the Flores Grand Orchestra, an unprecedented assembly of local percussion artists, vocalists, and dancers, followed by fireworks over the Flores Sea.
For more information and reservations, please visit the website here.
Marina Bay Sands Singapore
Step into a whimsical atmosphere that is themed around the ‘nutcracker butler’, an ode to the integrated resort’s team of butlers—the largest in Singapore. Until 29 December, a total of 88 nutcrackers, with the tallest standing at 2.1m, and nearly 190 Christmas trees evoke an ambience of festive grandeur. The mall will be transformed twice daily with a five-minute showcase, held at 7.30pm and 8.30pm, of The Nutcracker Butler’s Concerto. The enchanting experience is a coordinated display of twinkling lights across the Levitating Fir Forest and animated visuals on 16 LED screens, accompanied by a musical score that highlights the tale of the nutcracker butler. Then, on 31 December, ring in the new year from Singapore’s most iconic vantage point, the SkyPark Observation Deck, for a breathtaking spectacle of fireworks and live music. General admission tickets are available at SG$188, with Sands Lifestyle members enjoying a special rate.
For more details on the integrated resort’s activities this festive season, visit the website. For more details on the New Year’s event, visit here.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka
The luxury hotel is collaborating with Tiffany & Co. to offer an exclusive ‘A Legacy of Elegance’ Afternoon Tea, from now until early January 2026. It will be served at Peacock Alley, which has been decorated with the jeweller’s iconic blue hue, as well as a special Christmas tree that is worth a selfie or two. The Afternoon Tea is available from ¥3,000 per person and includes an original holiday postcard. Two exclusive menu items can be added on for ¥4,000, while New York Holiday Cocktails are available from ¥3,500.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit Peacock Alley’s website or call +816 7655 7111. Advanced reservations are required.
Palace Hotel Tokyo
Palace Hotel Tokyo elevates the season with a culinary-forward holiday stay that feels both opulent and warmly nostalgic. Its ‘A Tokyo Christmas’ package layers festive dining at every turn, beginning with a six-course Christmas dinner at Grand Kitchen. Expect an elegant progression of abalone and snow crab, flounder with caviar, and Japanese beef grilled or roasted to perfection—all enjoyed beside a glowing fireplace. Those craving a Michelin-starred feast can opt for Esterre by Alain Ducasse, where French technique meets Japanese terroir, or savour traditional flavours through kaiseki, teppanyaki, or tempura at the hotel’s acclaimed Japanese restaurants. Festive indulgence continues in-room with a bottle of Laurent-Perrier Rosé and a choice of five exquisite Christmas cakes, from blueberry-rich Noël à la Neige to a pistachio-forward Couronne de Noël and the signature Marron Chantilly. For more Christmas activities, the experience also includes a suite stay adorned with a full-sized Christmas tree, Club Lounge privileges, and a chauffeured ‘Tokyo Illuminations’ tour with a professional photographer.
For more information, visit the website.
The Lanesborough, London
For travellers who taste their way through the festive season, The Lanesborough offers one of London’s most indulgent year-end dining line-ups. Executive Chef Shay Cooper transforms the hotel’s grand regency setting into a culinary playground, spotlighting Britain’s finest produce across immersive menus. Expect festive stars, such as Norfolk turkey Wellington, truffled mushroom pasta, and the hotel’s signature Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. December’s Festive Jazz Nights pair seasonal plates with live music under The Lanesborough Grill’s domed ceiling, while Christmas Eve and Christmas Day unfold through multi-course feasts featuring native lobster macaroni, beef Wellington, and lavish dessert trolleys. Beyond the table, The Lanesborough layers on the holiday magic with ‘The Enchanted Residence’ displays, Harrods shopping experiences, jazz-filled evenings, spa rituals, and New Year’s Eve celebrations complete with six-course dinners and champagne.
For more information, visit the website>
45 Park Lane, London
This festive season, 45 Park Lane unveils its annual Artist’s Tree, transforming the hotel into a cultured winter escape, offering guests an intimate London stay opposite Hyde Park. In keeping with the hotel’s strong ties to the art world, this year’s Artist’s Tree has been designed by British sculptor Ian Turnock, whose work draws inspiration from the intrinsic structures found in nature.
The holiday spirit extends into every detail of the hotel’s 45 rooms and suites, each transformed with stockings and festive treats, setting the scene for a magical escape. Guests can celebrate the season in style with a morning dip in the pool, breakfast in bed, world-class omakase at Sushi Kanesaka, or by sipping signature winter cocktails at BAR 45. For the ultimate festive experience, the hotel’s seasonal offering includes an overnight stay, complimentary welcome cocktails, a festive treat on arrival, and £150 credit to spend at the spa or in the restaurants. Additional festive activities throughout the season include a four-course Christmas Day lunch or dinner (from £400), and a New Year’s Eve tasting menu.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit the website.
Royal Albatross, Singapore
Come aboard Singapore’s only luxury tall ship, the Royal Albatross, and experience a floating winter wonderland for a unique holiday experience. Set sail to stunning skyline views, while enjoying live music and dining the night away with an unforgettable ‘Dine & Sail’ experience. From four-course and seven-course Christmas-themed gourmet dinners to a festive buffet with free-flow drinks, let the comforting aroma of a festive Yuletide dinner welcome you, as you and your loved ones embark on a journey unlike any other, where gourmet cuisine meets breathtaking views, and every detail is crafted to celebrate the romance of the holidays.
For more information or to place a booking, visit the website.
METT Singapore
The festive season is the perfect moment to discover the newly opened hotel for the first time. This Christmas Eve, acclaimed chef Daniele Sperindio has specially curated a five-course dinner menu (SG$168+ per person) featuring Italian coastal cuisine, while, for Christmas, he has prepared a lunch menu (SG$138+ per person) serving authentic Italian dishes that can be shared with loved ones. After lunch, indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea (from 25 to 28 December, SG$88+ per person), where you can enjoy a warm Mulligatawny consommé, mini potted prawns, mince pies, and sweet delights, such as the Sticky Date Choux Bun with Butterscotch crème and Eton Mess Chantilly with mulled berry compote. Complete the experience with the bar’s signature martinis and Boizel Champagne.
For bookings and enquiries, visit the website.
The Standard, Hua Hin
Spend your holiday season just steps away from the Gulf of Thailand, where a line-up of festivities awaits at The Standard, Hua Hin. On 14 December, delight in indulging and browsing at the Christmas market’s charming stalls. Guests can also enjoy a lavish Italian-style feast at Lido on Christmas Eve, with mulled wine and free-flow drinks, and then oysters and roast turkey for Christmas Day brunch. The resort is set for a grand countdown to 2026, with a stellar line-up of international and local DJs, including Stanton Warriors and Orawan, plus a live saxophone set. After the fireworks, the music continues with DJ Bonita Everritt, up to the first sunrise of the year.
For table bookings and enquiries, email [email protected].
The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon
Check into one of the city’s most iconic buildings without worrying about making it home with the one-night ‘Stay for Midnight’ package, starting from THB40,000+ per room. Indulge in a five-course dinner for two at The Standard Grill before heading to Bangkok’s highest cocktail bar and the third-highest rooftop bar in the world, Sky Beach. Start the year with an exhilarating fête, with fireworks, free-flow drinks, world-class DJs, and inventive cocktails.
For bookings, connect on LINE @thestandardbangkok, or visit the website.
Villa Le Corail, Vietnam
The latest draw along Vietnam’s sun-kissed coastline is Villa Le Corail, a Gran Meliá Hotel—the brand’s first Asian resort—arriving just in time for December’s ideal beach weather. The all-suite, all-villa hideaway channels Mediterranean chic, offering private terraces or plunge pools, Carner Barcelona amenities, butler service, and curated rituals. Larger villas cater to families with extras such as floating breakfasts and private BBQs. Michelin-starred chef Marcos Morán oversees vibrant Spanish, Japanese, and all-day dining, while guests enjoy a serene spa, onsen, kids’ club, calm beaches, and abundant water sports. Book the special Christmas & New Year offer, available until 4 January 2026.
To make a booking, visit the website.
Banyan Tree Krabi
This Christmas, Banyan Tree Krabi celebrates not just the merry festivities but also its recognition as the finest hotel in Thailand and the honour of receiving two Michelin keys. On Christmas Eve, the resort is hosting a gala dinner, with a variety of gourmet options and festive desserts. There will also be live music performances and a fire show for guests to enjoy. On Christmas Day, Santa Claus himself will be making a visit to the tropical shores of Krabi. As he makes his rounds gifting presents, indulge in an elegant six-course meal that features a Christmas carvery alongside other luxuries such as Fine de Claire oysters, Oscietra caviar, baked camembert, and beetroot-cured salmon.
For reservations or enquiries, call +66 075 811 888, or email [email protected].
The Peninsula Hong Kong
The Peninsula Hong Kong spares no effort for the holidays. This year, it marks its fifth collaboration with Chanel, showcasing its new festive installation adorned with rich, vibrant colours, and a mélange of its iconic motifs. Experience a classic celebration with French cuisine at the one-Michelin-starred Gaddi’s, under a sparkling chandelier with premium wines, or swing by Felix instead for both an amazing view and a delicious meal, paired with festive cocktails. For those who prefer Cantonese cuisine, there will be many great dishes that await at the one-Michelin-starred Spring Moon. Then, finish off with a festive afternoon tea, offering options such as the black truffle potato and cheese croquette, cranberry confit, white chocolate mousse, and more. The afternoon tea (HKD580 per person) is available from now to 13 December and 27 to 30 December.
For reservations and enquiries, call +852 2696 6691, email [email protected], or visit the website to find out more.
Check back regularly as this is an evolving list of the latest Christmas offerings from luxury destinations around the world.
