9 Hotels That Make The Holidays Extra Special

Though written and recorded in 1934, the song “Winter Wonderland” could very well have been penned about the experience at Trianon Palace Versailles. In partnership with Maison Deyrolle (a legendary French house of curios), the entire hotel is transformed for the month of December into a fairytale world fusing nature and fine dining, with a special focus on younger VIP guests. Deyrolle supplies lifelike animals and nature scenes for the hotel’s gallery, while the Michelin starred Gordon Ramsay restaurant features a Christmas menu with spectacular dessert sculptures forming the centerpiece (reservation recommended). Finally, the Trianon Mini Club hosts special Prince and Princesses days on a number of December dates, where kids will be transformed into royalty.

The Maldives isn’t a traditional holiday bastion, but Milaidhoo Island does their utmost to inject a little festive spirit into the occasion. The party commences on Christmas Eve, with a champagne and canapé reception along a stretch of golden sand. A festive five-course feast is then served at the resort’s Shoreline Grill, where each course is paired with wine from the cellar. Hopefully, Santa didn’t deliver a hangover, as the activities get started early on Christmas morning with a snorkeling and diving trip accompanied by Mr. Claus himself. After a festive dinner at Ba’theli that evening, you’ll journey to the beach where sky lanterns will be released in the hopes of good luck in the coming year.

Spending the holidays amid the artistic majesty of Florence sounds like a delicious proposition, and it’s made all the sweeter by the experience at Hotel Regency. Upon arrival, guests will notice the giant Christmas tree standing sentry in the lobby. On Christmas morning, as guests make their way to a complimentary Christmas breakfast, they will find a complimentary gift under the tree from Santa Claus. If a last minute festive gift is required, a personal shopper is on hand to recommend the most suitable shops to check out. Hotel restaurant Relais Le Jardin has also prepared a seasonally appropriate menu for Christmas lunch and dinner.

Each December, London’s The Berkeley transforms their Health Club & Spa into a Rooftop Winter Cinema that hosts screenings of Miracle on 34th Street or Santa Claus: The Movie each evening. This seasonal fixture boasts just eight seats, and guests are supplied with plenty of fluffy cushions and hot water bottles. A little closer to earth, guests can take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the tony neighborhood of Belgravia, and indulge in a Christmas menu prepared by two Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing. There’s also a Midnight Mass at St Paul’s—a beautiful Victorian church just a two-minute walk away — and some traditional carol singing on Christmas Eve.

Though balmy in December, there’s still plenty of seasonal cheer on offer in the Sunshine State at Boca Beach Club. A slate of holiday events kick off on Saturday, December 17th, with a waterfront dinner and vantage point for the Boca Raton Boat Parade and fireworks display. On December 22nd, Disney entertainer Taylor Mason treads the boards for a full-length dinner show. December 24th brings the resort’s annual menorah lighting ceremony at dusk, before the annual Christmas Day Grand Buffet and beach bonfire. Sticking around until New Year’s? Boca Beach Club plays host to one of the most prestigious parties in all of Florida, Rock the Block. This outdoor event features performances by Jay Sean, Nico & Vinz and Taylor Dayne.

A tradition spanning over a century, Fairmont San Francisco’s awe-inspiring festive activities offer a scrumptious take on the holiday experience. A two-story gingerbread house forms the centerpiece, lovingly built with thousands of gingerbread bricks and gallons of royal icing. The house is constructed by the hotel’s culinary team, led by Executive Pastry Chef Kimberly Tighe. The house stands more than 22ft high and 23ft wide. Throughout the holidays, guests can lounge by the lobby’s enormous Christmas tree, or special seasonal champagne bar.

Famous year-round for its iconic Rees Jones’ designed golf course, California’s The Lodge at Torrey Pines has put together an outstanding offering for this holiday season. Beginning the week following Thanksgiving, families can have their portraits taken on Monday and Wednesdays. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, there’s holiday carol singers and hot spiced cider and fruitcake to enjoy. Pictured above, guests are also invited to roast s’mores at Hughes Cottage Firepit at sunset. Santa and Mrs. Claus pay regular visits for story reading and photos, while the week of Hanukkah sees a traditional Hanukkah menu served.

Kicking off on December 6th with a tree lighting ceremony in partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Peninsula Paris provides one of The City Of Lights’ most romantic holiday venues. For the entire month of December, the hotel’s Kléber Terrace is transformed into an enchanting Christmas market. Here, a tempting array of food and gifts are available along Christmas tree-lined avenues. In addition, a Seafood Chalet awaits featuring the finest oysters, salmon, caviar, lobster and sea urchin, complemented by a selection of white wine, champagne and vodka.

Guests at Eau Palm Beach in Florida are more likely to find sand in their toes than frost on their nose during a holiday visit, but that hasn’t prevented the hotel from putting together a fantastic seasonal offering. The hotel’s fire pit is available to roast s’mores during the month of December, while Santa will be in attendance during Christmas week, inviting children to plead their case one last time regarding how good they’ve been. Finally, 2016 goes out with a bang thanks to the resort’s Rock ’n’ Roll New Year’s Eve event with classics performed by the Philip Myers Band.