Season's Greetings
Where to go for Christmas?
As the year slowly draws to a close, opinions are once again divided. Some love Christmas and New Year's Eve, they can't get enough of it and long for the most romantic Christmas getaways complete with kitsch, cookies and nativity plays. Others just want peace and quiet and to get away, preferably somewhere where the sun shines and you've never heard of "Jingle Bells". It's a good thing that the world is so diverse and the right destination is available for every type of holiday program. How about these, for example:
Text: Claudia Hilmbauer
Opulent: London
When you think of pre-Christmas London, Christmas fans can only rave. Millions of lights are lit up all over the city - Carnaby Street, Regent Street, Oxford Street, Kew Gardens ... there is hardly a street or neighborhood that is not wrapped in festive lights. Numerous hotels offer excellent afternoon tea. The festive version, of course, due to the time of year. The version at the classy Hotel Café Royal is particularly beautiful (and delicious!) in this respect. A visit to the luxury department store Harrods should also be on your bucket list. This year, Dior is presenting the fantastic "World of Dior", complete with gingerbread house, lavish window displays, Dior café and Dior exhibition.
Hotel tip:
The Corinthia London is located in the immediate vicinity of the Thames and Trafalgar Square. Leicester Square (Christmas market!) and shopping in Regent or Oxford Street are just a few minutes' walk away. Almost all the major sights, such as Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, are just a short walk away. The hotel is particularly festive at Christmas time.
Traditional: Vienna
The "most liveable city in the world" knows how to celebrate. Christmas markets and events such as the New Year's Concert can look back on a particularly long history here. In several places in Vienna's city center, traditional huts tempt visitors with punch, handicrafts and a good dose of kitsch. The illuminated trees in Rathauspark are a particularly popular photo motif. For something a little more modern, visit the Atmosphere Rooftop Bar at The Ritz-Carlton. Because here you can retreat into gondolas on a cable car, enjoy excellent festive cocktails and take in the view of the illuminated city.
Hotel tip:
The Hotel Bristol, Vienna is one of the most traditional hotels on Vienna's Ringstrasse. But it is not at all dusty - on the contrary. Witty details, an excellent afternoon tea and top cuisine speak for the hotel. Its location anyway.
Unconventional: Antarctica
Christmas by the water - why not? Why not break with tradition and set off for new shores? A white Christmas is guaranteed if you go on a polar expedition. At the South Pole, for example, there are penguins instead of punch and Zodiac cruises instead of cinnamon stars. That's something! When ice and nature dominate the panorama outside, you automatically forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Cruise tip:
The 11-day Christmas cruise on Le Boreal from Ponant takes you from Ushuaia via the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula and back again. Spectacular encounters with nature, luxurious cabins and real adventures await the passengers.
Sunny: Maldives
Blue skies, white beaches, sunshine and a good mood - the Maldives guarantee fantastic weather all year round. And for unforgettable stays. Most resorts in the Maldives offer a special program over the holidays. The good thing about this is that those who are not necessarily big Christmas fans can easily escape the hustle and bustle. And "Last Christmas" is guaranteed not to be blaring from any loudspeakers here.
Hotel tip:
At Soneva Fushi, guests can expect a range of culinary highlights. British chef Timothy Bilton, Danish chef Anika Madsen and Swedish chef Paul Svensson are responsible for this. On Christmas Eve, the world-famous mentalist Lior Suchard will amaze the audience. This is followed by an extravagant Christmas gala dinner. During the festive season, England international footballer Graeme le Saux and former number one tennis doubles player Jonas Bjorkman are on site. They offer guests training at the highest level. And there is plenty for kids to do in "The Den", one of the largest children's play areas in the Maldives.
Sporty: Wyoming
Christmas fans, for whom snow and winter sports are an essential part of the festive season, like to spend the holidays in European ski resorts. Switzerland, France, Italy and Austria are probably the first places that spring to mind. However, there are numerous ski resorts on the "other" side of the pond that are in no way inferior to these. Jackson Hole in Wyoming, for example, is part of the Rocky Mountains. And as such is predestined for sporty holidays.
Hotel tip:
Translated, "Amangani" means something like "peaceful home". Nomen est omen, as the luxurious resort is located above Jackson Hole and offers unique views of the valley. It serves as a base for over 2,500 acres of winter wonderland, off-road adventures and magical winter experiences. After a busy day in the fresh air, it's best to retreat to the spa or the heated outdoor pool.
Quiet: Oman
Oman is a far cry from the snow and cold, Christmas markets and the stress of presents. If you want to swap Christmas for the desert, this is the place for you. In the Muslim state, you can choose to forgo the festivities completely or indulge in well-dosed festive activities in a hotel or resort. Plus: the weather is a sunny 28 degrees, the water temperature is 26 degrees and there are only two days of rain on average.
Hotel tip:
The Anantara Al Jabal al Akhdar Resort has some festive offers. You can also enjoy festive afternoon tea here and enjoy an extended Christmas Eve dinner on Christmas Eve. Or book a visit from Santa. Guests who prefer to take it easy and relax in the spa, explore the desert or experience adventures are also in the right place here.
