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For those who see Christmas as a time for indulgence rather than obligation, December becomes the perfect excuse to travel somewhere extraordinary. Whether that means fireside champagne in the Alps or barefoot dinners by the sea, the festive season offers endless possibilities for luxury. These twelve luxury Christmas destinations, like the twelve days of Christmas themselves, capture the mood of the holidays at their most refined – a blend of atmosphere, elegance, and experience that reflects how the world’s most discerning travellers choose to celebrate.
1. St. Moritz, Switzerland
St. Moritz has long set the standard for Alpine sophistication. Its glittering lake, designer boutiques, and grand hotels create a setting that feels timeless. At Badrutt’s Palace, guests arrive to twinkling lights and vintage glamour, while Kulm Hotel remains the choice of understated elites. Days are spent skiing on Corviglia’s polished pistes or dining at Le Grand Restaurant, where contemporary fine dining meets classic Swiss warmth. Sleigh rides, snow polo, and private soirées make St. Moritz a place where winter itself seems curated.
2. Maldives
The Maldives offers Christmas in its most tranquil form, where sand replaces snow and serenity is the prevailing luxury. Overwater villas at Soneva Fushi and Cheval Blanc Randheli sit above turquoise lagoons, perfectly suited for those who value privacy and space. Guests enjoy days spent snorkelling, island-hopping by yacht, or simply listening to the hush of the ocean before candlelit dinners on the beach. The rhythm is slower, but the indulgence no less complete.
3. Courchevel 1850, France
Courchevel’s highest village gleams each December beneath a canopy of frost and festive light. Cheval Blanc Courchevel and Aman Le Mélézin epitomise mountain luxury, offering ski-in access, private instructors, and après-ski champagne on heated terraces. Michelin-starred menus, exclusive boutiques, and a lively yet polished atmosphere make Courchevel a favourite for those who expect excellence as standard.
4. St. Barthélemy
Each December, St. Barts transforms into the Caribbean’s most exclusive gathering of yachts, soirées, and beachside celebrations. Eden Rock – St Barths and Cheval Blanc St-Barth anchor the island’s festive energy, combining effortless glamour with barefoot ease. Days unfold in a haze of sunshine and style – morning swims, long lunches, and sunset gatherings that stretch deep into the warm tropical night.
5. Aspen, USA
In Aspen, Christmas arrives with the sparkle of mountain air and the hum of refined festivity. The Little Nell stands as the town’s social hub, offering ski-in convenience and fine dining at Element 47. Beyond the slopes, Aspen balances outdoor adventure with cultural polish – art galleries, live music, and candlelit dinners that turn evenings into elegant celebrations. The 12 Days of Aspen festival keeps the town aglow with the spirit of winter luxury.
6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai redefines Christmas with its blend of warmth, spectacle, and modern luxury. The season’s celebrations unfold across rooftop terraces, beach clubs, and candlelit desert dunes. Bulgari Resort Dubai and One&Only The Palm set the tone with private villas, world-class dining, and views that shimmer beneath the city’s skyline. Between festive galas, yacht cruises along Palm Jumeirah, and shopping experiences that rival theatre, Dubai proves that Christmas can dazzle even without snow.
7. Gstaad, Switzerland
Discreet yet dazzling, Gstaad has become a sanctuary for those who value privacy as much as prestige. The Alpina Gstaad and Gstaad Palace deliver quiet luxury framed by Alpine calm, where guests spend their days skiing gentle slopes, wandering through designer boutiques, and dining beside log fires. Horse-drawn carriages glide along snow-covered lanes, and evenings often end with fondue, champagne, and conversation that lingers late into the night.
8. Cape Town, South Africa
Christmas in Cape Town feels like an invitation to celebrate summer itself. Table Mountain towers above sparkling coastlines and vineyards in full bloom, while festive lunches spill out onto shaded terraces. Ellerman House and One&Only Cape Town combine impeccable service with art, cuisine, and ocean views. Days unfold between yacht charters in Clifton, private wine tastings in Constantia, and sunset dinners along the Atlantic – a radiant alternative to the traditional winter season.
9. Zermatt, Switzerland
Nestled beneath the Matterhorn, Zermatt glows at Christmas with a quiet charm that feels both intimate and grand. The Omnia brings modern architecture to mountain serenity, while private chalets like Grace Zermatt offer cinematic views of snow-covered peaks. Skiing, spa rituals, and leisurely evenings over fondue define the pace here. Zermatt’s car-free streets, lined with lanterns and alpine lodges, create a festive stillness that feels almost timeless.
10. Seychelles
Seychelles delivers the kind of tropical Christmas where each moment feels untouched. North Island and Six Senses Zil Pasyon offer ocean-facing villas where privacy reigns supreme. Guests spend their days diving among coral reefs, sailing between islands, or dining beneath the stars on secluded shores. The islands’ unhurried rhythm lends the holidays a quiet majesty – the sense of time stretching, softened by salt air and sun.
11. Niseko, Japan
Set against the gentle slopes of Mount Yotei, Niseko combines world-class powder with Japanese refinement. At Zaborin Ryokan, guests retreat to minimalist suites with private onsen baths, or stay at Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono for ski-in elegance and exquisite dining. The atmosphere is contemplative rather than crowded, where snow falls in silence and the luxury lies in stillness – a Christmas designed for reflection as much as celebration.
12. Angra dos Reis, Brazil
On Brazil’s Emerald Coast, Angra dos Reis turns the festive season into an art of effortless celebration. Fasano Angra dos Reis welcomes guests to days of yacht cruises, beachfront lunches, and candlelit gatherings along the water’s edge. The rhythm of samba and the warmth of the tropics infuse the celebrations with energy, yet there’s always space for calm – a balance of joy and ease that feels perfectly in tune with the Brazilian summer.
Each destination embodies a distinct expression of luxury, whether wrapped in snow or bathed in sunlight. Together, they define how Christmas can be both familiar and extraordinary – a season not bound by place or temperature, but by the quiet pleasure of time spent beautifully.
