Experience the magic of the holidays on the road
The holidays are fun, but they can also be stressful. With time off from work and the kids off school, December is an ideal time to travel. However, no one wants to spend the holidays in a budget motel where the festive nature of the season is lost. BOSS has assembled a list of some of the best places to stay this holiday season where even the biggest Grinch will find it impossible not to be in the holiday spirit.
Rosewood Miramar Beach – Montecito, California
Under the leadership of real estate developer and known holiday enthusiast Rick Caruso, Southern California’s newest ultra-luxury retreat Rosewood Miramar Beach is celebrating its first festive season in style. Transforming into a beguiling winter wonderland, the oceanfront resort is unveiling one of the largest displays in the country with a towering 60-foot tall tree draped in 5,000 sparkling lights set against the beautiful backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. With Christmas around the corner, one of the property’s beloved bungalows is transformed into a beachside Santa’s House, welcoming children to visit Mr. Claus and share their wish lists while enjoying hot cocoa and a memorable photo opp. The fun continues at Santa’s Holiday Brunch, where whimsical elves will stop by while guests enjoy a grand feast in the spirit of giving, with a portion of the proceeds going to Santa Barbara’s Storyteller Learning Center. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the Merry Miramar Package, which includes a personal in-room Christmas tree with carefully curated ornaments, monogramed stockings and a special mistletoe turndown service. These family-fun activities and specialty room packages paired with inspired spa treatments and curated meals make Rosewood Miramar Beach the place to be this holiday season.
Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek – Dallas, Texas
Since first opening its doors as a hotel in the early 1980s, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek has drawn in affluent travelers from across the country with its warm and welcoming décor and Texas charm, and the 2019 holiday season will be no exception! Beyond the iconic custom colored Christmas trees and beautiful sparkling lights adorning the hotel’s public spaces and dining venues, guests can look forward to gathering under their own personal Christmas tree, placed in their room prior to arrival. With the option to mail their favorite decorations to The Mansion ahead of time, guests can opt to dress the tree themselves or let the Mansion staff work their magic. While embracing the festive décor, guests are invited to participate in a complimentary cookie decorating experience with an assortment of cookie shapes, flavors and toppings and enjoy a festive take on horchata with the Do You Know Chata cocktail at the Mansion Bar.
Mohonk Mountain House – New Paltz, NY
Throughout the month of December, Hudson Valley’s most iconic resort, Mohonk Mountain House invites guests to revel in the plethora of holiday festivities sure to delight guests of all ages. Dawned with handmade wreaths, kissing balls, elaborate gingerbread houses and breathtaking Christmas trees, including a 6-foot Austrian pine covered in 1,500 sparking LED lights, Mohonk Mountain House provides the perfect backdrop for a winter wonderland. Amidst these storybook surroundings, guests can participate in holiday activities including reindeer tracking, gingerbread house and cookie decorating, yule log scavenger hunts and ice skating. To kick off the holiday festivities, on December 8th Mohonk will gather the region’s most creative minds to produce their most fantastic edible creations for the Hudson Valley Gingerbread Competition. In addition, on the weekend of December 13th, Mohonk will also be hosting its second annual Ugly Sweater Weekend, inviting guests to don their most outlandish holiday sweaters all weekend long.
Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa – Montauk, NY
Though Montauk is synonymous with summer, the destination is just as special during the winter, when the crowds disappear, holiday lights are abound and the sand is adorned with fresh snow. For the holidays, check-in to the only five-star, year round resort in the destination, Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, which truly caters to travelers looking for a “home-away-from-home” vibe. The suites and recently renovated cottages come aptly decorated with a Christmas Tree, trimmings, lights and festive cookies and/or a Menorah with Gelt and candles. To top it off, guests can have their presents sent directly to the property, which will be placed under the tree or set-up by the Menorah. The perfect setting for a coastal holiday, Gurney’s Montauk is primely located on a 2,000 foot private sand beach so guests can enjoy morning walks and later take a dip in the world famous indoor ocean fed seawater pool – the only one in the U.S! There will also be fully cookie decorating, wine and mixology classes taking place onsite for a festive feel. Even better, the property is adorned with 7 multisensory themed igloos – each with distinct cocktail pairings, design and activities. Themes include Roaring 20’s, Après Ski, Astrology, Tropical Summer, Santa’s Workshop, Log Cabin and Astronomy. The igloos overlook the 2,000 foot private sand beach and all proceeds from sales ($25 per person) will be donated to Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The Fife Arms – Braemar, Scotland
Originally a 19th century Victorian coaching inn, The Fife Arms is a Braemar landmark and the perfect setting for a Christmas away from home. Inspired by the traditions of a Victorian Christmas, The Fife Arms is offering a specialty three-day package that captures the festive spirit and the gift of giving. Celebrating the 25 Days of Christmas, the hotel will host festive activities for guests to enjoy and get in the holiday spirit each day in December, including a Christmas wreath workshop and a live reindeer parade! On the big day itself a traditional Scottish breakfast will be served, followed by a make your own bauble workshop with a local artist, which is perfect for visitors of all ages. At night, mince pies and mulled wine will be served as guests listen to Christmas carols sung by the Braemar Choir. On Christmas Day a traditional four-course Christmas lunch will be enjoyed among family and friends with music by Graeme Mackintosh. The authentic meals are just the beginning of this winter escape, with additional activities including story telling with a local bard, walks through Cairngorms National Park (the largest national park in the British Isles) and a Boxing Day musical performance to keep the celebrations going! This holiday season, The Fife Arms is the premiere destination for a Christmas getaway full of authentic cuisine, culture and family bonding.
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco – Tuscany, Italy
Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco, the bucolic Tuscan resort founded by Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo, creates a number of special villa experiences throughout the holiday season. The property will offer a 3-night package for Christmas, showcasing the best of Tuscany’s festive season. Adorned in festive, charming décor, the villas provide a perfect backdrop for guests to share artisanal gifts and authentic food and wine. The concierge can also help personalize their visit with celebratory meals and experiences, like excursions to nearby Christmas markets. Additionally, the Starlit Villa New Year experience will include a three-night villa experience, allowing guests to enjoy the restorative peace and elegant embrace of their own country Villa while also participating to the full in Tuscan seasonal traditions, including a sumptuous New Year’s Eve cenone dinner.
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