FESTIVE SEASON IS HERE! 3 DESTINATIONS FOR THE MOST MAGICAL TIME!
As the Festive Season approaches, 3 exceptional luxury resorts are offering unforgettable Christmas and New Year experiences that combine festive cheer with world-class service, gourmet dining, and unique seasonal activities.
It’s festive season time! Whether you dream of a sun-kissed island retreat, a snow-dusted lakeside escape, or a Venetian holiday steeped in tradition, these destinations promise to make this season the most magical yet.
Festive Season at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives: A Sustainable Christmas Wonderland
Set against the backdrop of the turquoise waters of the Maldives, Gili Lankanfushi is the epitome of barefoot luxury with a sustainable twist. This Festive Season, the resort invites guests to embrace nature’s rhythm with its “Tree of Life” theme, celebrating growth, connection, and new beginnings.
From December 22, 2024, to January 7, 2025, festive season offerings include everything from shark snorkels to crafting gingerbread water villas. Guests can join in on mindful activities like yoga and meditation or dive into creativity with a gingerbread house-making class and a beachside tree-lighting ceremony, where the Gili Christmas Choir will serenade guests.
Active guests can enjoy tennis matches with Santa, beach volleyball tournaments, and dolphin cruises, while kids can cozy up under the stars for Christmas movie screenings or take part in arts and crafts. And, of course, no holiday is complete without gifts from Santa, delivered via speedboat to each villa.
For those wishing to connect with nature this Festive Season, educational experiences abound. Guests can help create the Gili Coral Tree, embark on a Gili Water Plant Tour to see how the island turns ocean water into drinking water, or participate in a Tree Grafting workshop, learning how to create new trees from different plant parts. Kids will also enjoy branch decoration classes and gardening with the island’s organic gardener.
Culinary delights are also a highlight, with festive season feasts including an Indian Tandoor dinner, a Brazilian churrascaria-style barbecue, and a Mediterranean spice souk bazaar. Don’t miss the “Roots” wine dinner, where the chef and sommelier pair wines inspired by the anchoring roots of trees.
Nightly rates at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives start from $1,440 per night for a Villa Suite with breakfast. For more details or to book, visit www.gili-lankanfushi.com.
Festive Season at Hilton Lake Como: A Lakeside Winter Wonderland
Nestled on the shores of Italy’s breathtaking Lake Como, Hilton Lake Como offers the perfect base to enjoy the festive magic of the region. From December 2024 to January 2025, the resort transforms into a winter wonderland with a series of exclusive Festive Season experiences.
A standout offering is the Winter Wonderland Ice Curling Rink. Located just outside the Taffeta Lounge, guests can try their hand at curling on an eco-friendly artificial rink, with cozy treats like vin brulè, hot chocolate, and festive snacks served from a charming wooden hut.
In addition to seasonal ice sports, Hilton Lake Como will host a series of enchanting Candlelight Concerts. From tributes to Ennio Morricone to a festive celebration of Christmas classics, these intimate performances provide the perfect soundtrack to a magical lakeside holiday.
For those who prefer to indulge, the rooftop Terrazza 241 offers an exquisite setting for festive cocktails, and the seasonal menu curated by Executive Chef Stefano Ghielmetti is sure to impress. Highlights include a four-course feastwith regional specialties and a New Year’s Eve celebration featuring gourmet dishes and live music, making it the perfect place to ring in 2025.
New Year’s Eve at Hilton Lake Como promises an unforgettable celebration, with a gourmet five-course menu paired with breathtaking views of the fireworks over the lake. Guests can choose from fish, meat, or vegan options, followed by a traditional panettone toast to welcome the new year.
Nightly rates start at €350 per night based on double occupancy, including breakfast. For more information or to book, visit www.hilton.com.
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice: A Venetian Holiday Dream
For a festive getaway steeped in history and luxury, Hilton Molino Stucky Venice offers an unforgettable Christmas and New Year experience. Situated on the picturesque Giudecca Island, this former flour mill turned five-star hotel is the ideal base to explore Venice during the holiday season.
From December 24, 2024, to January 7, 2025, guests can indulge in a variety of festive offerings. Family-style feastswill be held at the Bacaromi and Il Molino restaurants, with Italian Christmas staples such as Bacala Mantecato and traditional Tortellini in Brodo. On New Year’s Eve, the Aromi Restaurant will host a luxurious seven-course gala dinner featuring delicate dishes like langoustine raviolo and wagyu beef sirloin, paired with the finest Italian and French wines.
Live music will add to the festive atmosphere every Friday and Saturday evening, and on New Year’s Eve, the Skyline Bar, the highest rooftop bar in Venice, hosts the ultimate party with panoramic views of the fireworks over the city.
For those looking to bring home a taste of Venice, Hilton Molino Stucky’s pastry chef Chiara Abate will offer her homemade panettone for guests to sample and purchase.
Whether dining, dancing, or soaking in the stunning views, Hilton Molino Stucky offers a truly Venetian way to celebrate the season.
Nightly rates at Hilton Molino Stucky Venice start at €240 per night based on double occupancy, with breakfast included. Molino Suites start from €590 per night. For more information or to book, visit www.hilton.com.
No matter where your holiday dreams take you, these three destinations are set to make your 2024/25 Christmas and New Year truly unforgettable. From idyllic island escapes to lakeside retreats and Venetian splendour, there’s no better way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
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