My favorite time of year might be that weird little stretch between Christmas and New Year’s.
Videos by TravelAwaits
Because traveling home for the holidays isn’t usually possible, I spend it with my partner and our chihuahua. It’s when we spend quality time together while rejuvenating from the stresses of daily life.
This year, we’re heading up to a private rental in Andorra. It has an outdoor jacuzzi where we’ll hopefully get to see some snow. There’s also a full kitchen where we can spoil ourselves with great meals and delicious cocktails.
Best of all, it’s hidden away in the forest halfway up a mountain.
We seek out these types of hyper-secluded escapes as the year comes to a close. (It’s usually the calm before the New Year’s Eve storm.) But this new tradition has come after years of sampling different holiday trips and types of celebrations.
And it’s one that we’ll probably break in favor of trying something new someday… especially if I have my way in the coming years.
What’s on my radar? Hotel holiday programs. While DIY adventures are great, they involve some legwork.
Hotels with holiday programs… not so much.
With dozens of stellar holiday hotel programs live around the world, there’s one for every traveler out there. If you’re in need of inspiration or a few great suggestions, then start with this list.
I’ve hand-selected my favorite holiday hotel programs. Maybe you’ll see me and my partner in the lobby next year!
Shortcut to the best holiday hotel programs
- For couples: National Hotel Miami Beach (USA)
- For solo journeys: Tropicana Los Cabos (Mexico)
- For a festive atmosphere: Fairmont Chicago (USA)
- For a warm holiday: Sonesta St. Maarten (Netherlands – Caribbean)
- For a luxury holiday: The Vanderbilt (USA)
Best holiday hotel programs for travelers this winter
For couples: National Hotel Miami Beach (USA)
Whether it’s the holidays or not, you can expect a calendar full of unique events and programs at the National Hotel.
But let’s stay focused on what matters this holiday season: activities you and your lover will adore at this adults-only Miami boutique hotel.
There’s a Holiday Pop-Up Bar with a Winter Wonderland theme that includes a customized list of holiday-themed cocktails. Some of the proceeds also go to charity—which I love, because this is also the season of giving, after all. The on-site restaurant also has specialized holiday menus that couples can take advantage of.
For solo journeys: Tropicana Los Cabos (Mexico)
Wellness retreats and solo trips are set to take off in 2025—I suggest getting a head start on the trends with a solo escape to Tropicana Los Cabos.
The warm weather and adorable downtown area are great for soaking up alone, while the hotel’s programs like its weekly Art Walk make it easy to make friends and truly get to know the town.
While its Artistic Oasis Package is geared toward couples and families, it’s also a pretty solid idea for a solo trip—as long as you have artistic interests, of course. The Tropicana lets you tap into your artistic side and get inspired by local and international artists.
For a festive atmosphere: Fairmont Chicago (USA)
This alpine-inspired hotel oozes with holiday charm. From its apres-ski-inspired ambiance to its holiday packages, the Fairmont succeeds effortlessly with its goal of providing a chic, elegant holiday experience.
But it’s not just décor here—this is one of the best holiday hotel programs thanks to its menus.
The best way to get into that holiday spirit is to book an experience at the Fairmont Lodge, the on-site restaurant. You can choose between three different dining and live entertainment experiences: The Spark, The Campfire, and The Hearth.
I’d go with the Hearth—it comes with fondue, S’more, and signature cocktails for a group of up to four.
For a warm holiday: Sonesta St. Maarten (Netherlands – Caribbean)
If you want a warm holiday, you’ve got options—including the Tropicana and National Hotel. But if tropical warmth is what you’re really looking for, then head to St. Maarten.
This Dutch island is home to Sonesta, a fantastic casino-resort-spa. This pick is also great for families, as the Sonesta offers family-friendly lodging with all-inclusive programs.
But if you want a tropical and adult escape, you can take advantage of the newly opened Ultimate Adults Only Club, which includes private accommodation.
For a luxury holiday: The Vanderbilt (USA)
The hotels listed above are all four-star choices (except the Tropicana, which is three stars). But in terms of luxury holiday hotel programs, it’s hard to top the Vanderbilt.
That’s thanks to te interior design team at Bronson van Wyck, which flipped the grounds into a luxurious Christmas scene. The result is an unforgettable bespoke Christmas hotel experience from this Auberge Resorts Collection project.
Christmas comes alive in this 1908 Gilded Age mansion with garlands, festive ornaments, wreaths, and more. Even the themed drinks come from van Wyck’s famous lineup of Dio cocktails.
It culminates in festive dining experiences that are curated by the same design team. That equates to a fully integrated and large-scale holiday atmosphere—one you won’t find elsewhere.
