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Australia, Cuisine, Europe, Latin America, USA and Canada

11 of the Best Sustainable Fine-Dining Restaurants in the World

April 5, 2024 by Luxury Gold No Comments
Fine dining plate of meat and carrot

In the high-end dining scene, sustainability is now more than a buzzword: it’s a layer of design and operations built into the fabric of a new dining venue, with budding restaurateurs and top chefs alike keen to limit waste and make the most of what’s local and seasonal to them. In fact, the world’s cutting-edge hospitality moguls know that making a restaurant greener can be huge fun, finding innovative ways to channel sustainable power sources, or out-of-the-box ways to use food waste in everything from biofuel to sauces and cordials. 

Sustainable fine dining is one of the most progressive categories of all, with luxury consumers eager to spend on lavish dinners they can feel good about.

 

Fyn, Cape Town

Dish at fyn restaurant featuring seaweed on black table

Photo credit: @fynrestaurantcpt on Instagram

South African pioneer Fyn won this year’s Flor de Caña Award for sustainability in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards. With a name inspired by the country’s national fynbos flower (pronounced “Fayn”), Peter Tempelhoff’s restaurant employs hyper-local ingredients and uses Japanese techniques to make delicate creations; the team pays close attention to foraged local wonders like kelp, sea lettuce and dune spinach, as well as partnering with the country’s most ethical producers and fishermen for meat and fish. 

More than half of the menu is vegetarian or vegan-friendly, and staff are trained in foraging and careful water management to avoid waste. There’s a social enterprise element, too: they work with a Cape Town initiative to train up young chefs from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Experience South Africa in gourmet style on Luxury Gold’s 9-Day Spectacular South Africa journey

 

nôl, Tokyo

Birdseye closeup of dish with green sauce at nol restaurant

Photo credit: @nol.jp on Instagram

This moodily-lit, chef’s table style restaurant was awarded the Michelin Green Star this year, taking Tokyo’s Green Star restaurants to 11 ‒ the most sustainable fine dining restaurants in a single city. Chef Tatsuya Noda refers to the dining room as a “kitchen space”, creating dishes passed down through his family, such as his grandmother’s home pickles and his mother’s roasted rice, for just a small group of diners. 

Noda’s “Garbage Soup” was singled out by Michelin as an exceptional waste-preventing dish; another low-waste initiative includes creating dishes from sturgeon fish, which are usually discarded after their caviar is removed.

Immerse yourself in Japan’s time-honored traditions on Luxury Gold’s 11-Day Majestic Japan journey.

We also think you’ll like: Indulge Your Inner Gourmet With These Luxury Food Experiences

 

Apricity, London

Mushrooms dish at apricot restaurant in London

Photo credit: @apricityrestaurant on Instagram

Vegans will feel right at home at this soothing, light-filled space in London’s Mayfair, with veg-stacked dishes like butterhead lettuce with cultured miso aioli and crispy kale and celeriac orzotto with confit chestnut gracing the a la carte menu. 

Awarded a Michelin Green Star in 2023, Chantelle Nicholson and team have also won Innovator of the Year at the National Restaurant Awards and a Grosvenor Sustainability Award for its circular economy values. Pared-back, distressed walls are pepped up with hanging plants and trendily upcycled furniture and fixtures: recycled tiles and chairs made from old Coca-Cola bottles, saving them from going to landfill.

London’s calling on Luxury Gold’s 10-Day British Royale journey 

 

Toyo Eatery, Philippines

Chef placing vegetables dish at toyo eatery, Philippines

Winner of the Flor de Caña sustainability award 2023 in the 50 Best Restaurants in Asia, this Manila restaurant does everything it can to champion Filipino people and their produce. Shockingly for a Filipino eatery, there’s no beef on the menu ‒ owners Jordy and May Navarra deemed cattle farming methods too harmful to the environment, and, though they serve other meats, there’s an entirely vegan tasting menu option. 

Every ingredient here is local, organic and traceable ‒ think black rice, coconut, banana and taro ‒ making sure local workers benefit from the supply chain; and the team has bought forest and farmland with an aim to become zero-waste by 2025, growing their own produce using any food waste as compost. 

We also think you’ll like: Why South Africa is the ultimate setting for a gourmet road trip

 

Aponiente, Cadiz, Spain

Plate of raw scallops and seafood at aponiente restaurant, SpainSeafood lovers should sail, paddle or swim to this waterside spot in southwestern Spain, where chef Ángel León is on a mission to showcase the marine ingredients we don’t typically see on a Michelin-level plate. Abundantly available fish like mackerel and hake crop up on his menus, but also sea urchin, tuna milt, deep sea algae and sardine scales ‒ plus inventive moments like “sea bacon” made from thinly sliced sea bass. It’s an approach that’s earned him three Michelin stars and the 2022 Flor de Caña award for sustainable fine dining. Set inside an old tidal mill with a newer, wow-factor building attached, this is a real sensory experience.

Taste Spanish passion on Luxury Gold’s 13-Day Spain & Portugal in Style journey 

 

Locavore, Bali

Chef pouring green sauce on a dish at locavore restaurant, Bali

Photo credit: @locavorenxt on Instagram

Simple, polished wooden tables, a charcoal-grey bar and a high, barn-like ceiling set the scene for Locavore, a champion of Indonesian produce and cooking. Set in the island’s spiritual old capital, Ubud, it was named both Asia’s Most Sustainable Restaurant and Indonesia’s best restaurant overall in 2019. It’s a showcase for all things Balinese: 95% of ingredients are sourced within the island, from coffee to beef and salt, while crockery and ceramics are all made locally by artisans. They have a vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menu, with quirky and intriguing dish names like “Who says lobsters don’t like chocolate?” Dishes might include prawn ceviche with plenty of garden herbs and spices, or roasted bone marrow in a pandan broth.

 

Saint Peter, Sydney

plat of john dory liver parfait on toast at saint Peter restaurant, Sydney

Photo credit: @saintpeterpaddo on Instagram

Another fish fanatic, Josh Niland, is the brains behind this Sydney destination restaurant; his brand of sustainable fine dining is using available and plentiful fish (working carefully with local fishermen) and the shelf life of each fish to serve them at the perfect time, minimizing waste.  Like Spain’s Ángel León, Niland makes use of the offal or less-loved parts of the fish, from crispy skin crackers to fish-liver pates, with bones used to make stock and “fish-eye chips” just one signature snack. The trendy, modern restaurant has exposed brick walls and a long marble counter, with plenty of exciting Australian wines on the menu.

Dine down-under on Luxury Gold’s 13-Day Inspiring Australia journey

We also think you’ll like: Acclaimed Sydney Restaurant Bennelong And its Love Affair With Australian Food

 

Amber, Hong Kong

Dish from Amber Restaurant, Hong Kong

Photo credit @rekkebus on Instagram

Michelin green-starred since 2022, as well coming out on top in 2022’s Food Made Good sustainability awards, Amber is a Hong Kong institution. You’ll find it in the city’s Mandarin Oriental hotel, a striking white-and-pine dining room with fluid-looking gold light fixtures and dainty ceramics. All seafood here is sourced sustainably, with fair-trade policies on tea, coffee, chocolate and vanilla; meanwhile only ethical egg and meat producers are used, and no dairy products are featured on the menu, to eliminate any carbon emitted by dairy production. There’s also a strict 35:65 ratio of animal products to plant-based products when it comes to ingredients.

 

Tèrra, Copenhagen

Plate of seared tuna at terra restaurant, caponhagen

Photo credit: @_terrarestaurant_ on Instagram

Named for mother earth, this high-end Italian in Denmark’s capital was awarded a Michelin green star in 2021. A zero-waste kitchen, its menu is largely based on seasonal vegetables and fruit, topped up with seasonal and ethically-sourced meat and fish here and there. Dishes might include “Celeriac and mussels”, with the root vegetable forming an oyster-like shell, creative bite-sized snacks made from offcuts, kombucha or cookies made from coffee grounds, and foraged flavors like sea kale and violets. A pared-back dining room of stone walls and simple seating puts the focus on the dishes, served New-Nordic style, like little works of art.

Experience Danish Fine Dining on Luxury Gold’s 12-Day Timeless Scandinavia journey

Read next: Fine dining, dressed down: the cuisine of Vietnam and Cambodia

 

Restaurante Manu, Curitiba, Brazil

Plate of food awith yellow sauce and pink flowers at Manu Restaurant, Brazil

Photo credit: @manubuffara on Instagram

This exciting destination venue in the southern Brazilian state of Paraná won the most sustainable restaurant award at Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards earlier this year. An impressive 80% of its suppliers come from within a 300km radius, while the chefs actively connect with family farming businesses and smallholdings to support the local community. They’re obsessed with biodiversity, nurturing local species and even keeping their own beehives; curious combinations might include seared fish with bacon and caramel, or lamb with seafood and custard apple.  Even more feelgood? The team feeds the homeless, distributing 400 healthy meals per week to unhoused residents in Curitiba.

Experience Brazilian cuisine on Luxury Gold’s 12-Day Classic South America journey 

 

Harbor House Inn, California

Bowl of brightly coloured food at the harbour house inn , California, USA

Perched on the wild California coastline of Mendocino, Harbor House is a beacon of sustainable American cooking. Chef Matthew Kammerer was awarded a Michelin green star in 2020, while the restaurant holds a rarefied two stars from the foodie guide; 90% of his ingredients come from local sources, including their own cattle ranch and kitchen garden. Porcini mushrooms are foraged from nearby woodland and lichen from the clifftops, and the building itself is 100% powered by sustainable energy, including solar and geothermal. Little details make it charming: fryer oil is turned into candles for the tables, for example. Even more soul-soothing is the wild sea view from the classic wood-paneled dining room.

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Africa, Europe, Latin America, Luxury Journeys, USA and Canada

These Hotels and Experiences Echo Old-World Glamor

February 20, 2024 by kjbirtles No Comments
external facade of Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb, Croatia

In a time where travel is often characterized by speed and efficiency, there remains a coveted niche with more travelers seeking out hotels and experiences that hark back to a bygone era of glamor and leisure. Hotels and experiences that echo old-world charm offer more than just luxury. They embody a timeless elegance and storied past, often with a rich historical significance. From grand hotels that have welcomed royalty to regal train journeys that evoke the golden age, here are our top hotels and experiences for old-world glamor.

1. Hôtel du Louvre, Paris, France

external facade of Hôtel du Louvre, Paris, France

Photo credit: @hoteldulouvre on Instagram

bartenders shaking cocktails at Hôtel du Louvre, Paris, France

Photo credit: @hoteldulouvre on Instagram

If you want to experience the old-world glamor of the roaring 20s, you’ve got to go to Paris. It’s the epicenter of The Lost Generation, a legendary group of artists, writers and creators who flocked to the French capital after WWI. The likes of Hemingway, Stein, Picasso, Fitzgerald, Joyce, Pound and Eliot would spend their time swapping ideas and creating art, poems and novels and socializing in bohemian cafés and jazz bars. 

To get a taste of this history, stay at the Hôtel du Louvre, a Parisian icon since the 19th century. Facing the magnificent Louvre Museum, the hotel’s Haussmannian façade and stunning views have inspired countless artists who’ve stayed here including opera singer Enrico Caruso and writer Arthur Conan Doyle. It’s the perfect place to start tracing the steps of Lost Generation, with sumptuous suites, sweeping marble staircases, and traditional French cuisine served at the hotel’s brasserie. 

You might like to begin your exploration of Parisian institutions at Harry’s New York Bar. Founded in 1911, it was a beloved watering hole of the likes of Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Porter. The bar continues to exude the glitz of the early 19th century, serving classic cocktails and smooth jazz. 

Stay at the Hôtel du Louvre on: Ultimate Southern France With Paris Extension

We think you’ll also like: Harry’s Bars: The Story of Europe’s Two Most Glamorous Watering Holes

2. Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb, Croatia

Oleander Terrace at Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb, Croatia

Photo credit: @esplanadezagreb on Instagram

dining room at Esplanade Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb, Croatia

Photo credit: @esplanadezagreb on Instagram

Set in the heart of Croatia’s vibrant capital, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel offers a dazzling taste of the roaring 20s. With a legacy dating back to 1925, the hotel was originally built to provide luxurious accommodations for passengers of the famed Orient Express. As you enter the grand lobby, you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of timeless sophistication, with its Art Deco details echoing the golden age of travel. 

Each room and suite is decked out in rich fabrics, elegant decor, and modern amenities, while the hotel’s signature restaurant, Zinfandel’s, dishes up an artful menu of traditional Croatian cuisine. You can also enjoy Parisian-inspired ambiance and classic Croatian dishes at Le Bistro, or enjoy afternoon tea or cocktail at the Oleander Terrace overlooking the city. 

Having hosted an array of stars, dignitaries and cultural icons over the years, including Queen Elizabeth II, Josephine Baker, and Charles Lindbergh, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel is a true cultural landmark. 

Stay at the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel on: Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

Read more about the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel: A Taste of the Roaring Twenties: Inside Zagreb’s Stunning Hotel Esplanade

3. Hotel Metropole, Venice, Italy

bedroom at Hotel Metropole, Venice, Italy

Photo credit: @hotelmetropolevenezia on Instagram

courtyard at Hotel Metropole, Venice, Italy

Photo credit: @hotelmetropolevenezia on Instagram

Set on the edge of the lagoon, a stone’s throw away from St. Mark’s Square, the Hotel Metropole in Venice has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Once an orphanage and church, where Antonio Vivaldi taught music to orphans in the 1700s, the hotel now features a Michelin-starred restaurant, MET, and an acclaimed art collection.

You’ll be swept away in time, with elaborate tapestries, frescoes, and Murano glass chandeliers. Music is still at the heart of the Hotel Metropole, with icons like Lou Reed, Patty Smith, Lenny Kravitz, and Grace Jones all staying here over the years. There’s also a luxurious spa and a private water taxi service to explore the canals of Venice. 

If you want to continue your immersion into old-world glamor, visit “the other” legendary Harry’s Bar. Founded in 1931, it’s the birthplace of the Bellini and was once a favored watering hole of Ernest Hemingway, Katherine Hepburn, Charlie Chaplin, Truman Capote, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Orson Welle. Today, Harry’s Bar remains a symbol of 20th-century literature, art and Venetian culinary traditions.

Stay at the Hotel Metropole on: Ultimate Italy

We think you’ll also like: Hiding in Plain Sight: Incredible Artworks You Can Discover at Luxury Gold Hotels

4. The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, United States

lobby at The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, United States

Photo credit: @ritzcarltonneworleans on Instagram

dining room at The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, United States

Photo credit: @ritzcarltonneworleans on Instagram

Follow the rhythms of jazz to The Ritz Carlton in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Housed in the historic 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building on Canal Street, this hotel blends the old-world glamor of New Orleans with the impeccable service of the Ritz.

The hotel’s ornate architecture, grand lobby, and stylish suites transport you to an era of opulence, but the Ritz Carlton New Orleans is much more than a place to stay; it’s a celebration of the Big Easy’s unique charm and southern hospitality. Guests can indulge in the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans at the M Bistro and enjoy live jazz music while sipping on cocktails at the Davenport Lounge. There’s also a rejuvenating spa with treatments that blend local ingredients and healing practice, or you can get out and explore the French Quarter’s famed music venues, galleries and restaurants.

Stay at The Ritz Carlton New Orleans on: Southern Grace 

Read more about The Ritz Carlton New Orleans: Why New Orleans’ Ritz Carlton Hotel is a cut above the rest

5. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec, Canada

aerial view of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec, Canada

Photo credit: @fairmontfrontenac on Instagram

lounge area of Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, Quebec, Canada

Photo credit: @fairmontfrontenac on Instagram

Perched atop Cape Diamond overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is an icon of Quebec City. With châteauesque architecture, opulent ballrooms and a storied past dating back to the late 19th century, this hotel drips in the grandeur of a bygone era. 

The rooms and suites are a blend of old-world glamor and modern elegance, with stunning views of the old city or flowing river below. The hotel’s award-winning restaurant features exquisite dishes crafted with local ingredients. The 1608 Wine & Cheese Bar offers a cozy ambiance for guests to sample the finest Quebecois cheeses paired with world-class wines. 

The Château Frontenac has also played host to world leaders, royalty and celebrities, and its halls echo with the whispers of historical events that shaped the world. Queen Elizabeth II, Charles de Gaulle, Leonard Cohen, Paul McCartney, and Celine Dion have all stayed here, while Alfred Hitchcock chose the Château Frontenac as a location for his 1953 film “I Confess”. Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and William Lyon Mackenzie King also famously met at this hotel during WWII to discuss strategies. 

Stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac on: Indulgence in Eastern Canada

Read more about Château Frontenac: The revered Quebec City hotel with an iconic movie star reputation

6. Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

aerial view of Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas on Instagram

swimming pool at Belmond Hotel das Cataratas, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas on Instagram

Overlooking the grand Iguazu Falls on the border of Brazil and Argentina, the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas is a spectacular stay. The hotel offers unparalleled views of the world’s largest waterfall system, but it also exudes an air of old-world glamor. The regal suites are filled with plush furnishing, artisanal fabrics, locally-commissioned artworks, and Portuguese-colonial architecture. 

Surrounded by the sounds of the lush jungle, the pastel-pink retreat has welcomed a host of luminaries, including Princess Diana, Prince Albert of Monaco, David Rockefeller, Eleanor Roosevelt, Tony Blair, Bill Clinton, Anthony Hopkins, Jackie Chan, and Paul Simon. You’ll walk in their footsteps as you wander through the orchid gardens, sip caipirinhas by the tranquil pool, and enjoy spa treatments with local, responsibly harvested ingredients.

Stay at the Belmond Hotel das Cataratas: Classic South America

We think you’ll also like: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

7. Grand Hotel Quisisana, Isle of Capri, Italy

aerial view of Grand Hotel Quisisana, Isle of Capri, Italy

Photo credit: @quisisanacapri on Instagram

reading room at Grand Hotel Quisisana, Isle of Capri, Italy

Photo credit: @quisisanacapri on Instagram

The Isle of Capri is synonymous with glitz and luxury, and the Grand Hotel Quisisana lives up to this reputation. Nestled in the heart of Capri, the hotel has been a hub of elegance and exclusivity since its inception in 1845. Originally conceived as a sanatorium (Quisisana means ‘here one heals’) by a doctor, the hotel transformed into a luxurious cultural and social hub. It still hosts glamorous events like fashion shows and art exhibitions today.

The Quisisana’s guest list reads like a who’s who of the 20th and 21st centuries. Artists, writers, stars, and dignitaries all found solace and inspiration within its walls, including Ernest Hemingway, Jean Cocteau, Audrey Hepburn, and Jean Paul Sartre. 

You’ll find your own slice of restoration here, with the hotel’s soothing QuisiBeauty spa and gorgeous pool. There’s also several impressive restaurants overlooking the ​​glittering Gulf of Naples, with views of the Faraglioni rocks. It’s all backed by marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and curated art collections. There’s even a Liberty-style theatre designed by the famous architect Giò Ponti in 1929. 

Stay at the Grand Hotel Quisisana on: Ultimate Italy

Read more about Capri: The Isle of Dreams: How to Spend the Perfect Day in Capri

8. Rovos Rail, South Africa

bedroom suite on the Rovos Rail, South Africa

Photo credit: @rovosrail on Instagram

lounge carriage on the Rovos Rail, South Africa

Photo credit: @rovosrail on Instagram

Rovos Rail is a journey into the heart of South Africa, wrapped in the luxury and nostalgia of the golden age of travel. Step aboard the Rovos Rail and settle into Edwardian elegance, with remarkably plush interiors. The regal wood paneling and thick carpeting give way to modern amenities including air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. As you marvel at the passing landscapes from the lush Cape Winelands to the dramatic Great Karoo and the vast African bushveld, you’ll appreciate the art of slow rail travel.

Dining is also a highlight, with gourmet meals prepared by chefs using local ingredients, served in the sophisticated dining cars. Whether you sip cocktails in the moody bars or relax in the observation car, Rovos Rail is true old-world glamor.

Experience the Rovos Rail journey on: Spectacular South Africa with Rovos Rail

Discover more luxury train journeys: Get to the Heart of Your Destination With These Boutique Train Journeys

9. Nile River cruise, Egypt

swimming pool and deck on Nile River cruise ship

chef and guests chatting over dinner on Nile River cruise ship

Embark on a timeless journey along the world’s longest river onboard an exclusive, five-star cruise. As you glide along the Nile, you’ll come face-to-face with ancient temples, tombs and treasures that have stood for millennia. Sail from Luxor to Aswan to discover the Valley of the Kings. Explore Karnak Temple and Kom Obo accompanied by an expert Egyptologist. Back on board the ship, enjoy the sun deck, pool and gourmet dining showcasing the best of Egyptian cuisine. You’ll retreat to stylish suites with stunning river views, providing a truly intimate exploration of the Nile’s grandeur. 

Embark on a Nile River cruise on: Elegance of the Nile

Read more about the Nile: Riches of the Nile: Why Egypt’s icon is the grandest river in the world

Banner photo credit: @esplanadezagreb on Instagram

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Australia, Europe, Luxury Journeys, USA and Canada

These Are the Hotels We Wish We Were Staying at Over Christmas

December 15, 2023 by kjbirtles No Comments
Ashford Castle Ireland

How are you dreaming of spending your Christmas? Skiing and sipping mulled wine in the Swiss Alps or enjoying a festive banquet in a castle in the Canadian Rockies? Meeting Santa in snowy Norway or exploring the Christmas markets in London? How about spending your holidays at the beach in Sydney or in a tropical rainforest in Brazil? Whether you’re dreaming of a Christmas in the snow or the sunshine, here are eight of the best luxury hotels to spend the holidays this year.

We think you’ll also like: Christmas on the tracks: 7 of the world’s most beautiful, festive train journeys

Ashford Castle, Ireland

Ashford Castle Ireland

Photo credit: @ashfordcastle

Ashford Castle Ireland

Photo credit: @ashfordcastle

For a memorable and classic Christmas, Ashford Castle in Ireland is the perfect choice. The castle’s medieval charm and festive activities make it an enchanting place to spend the holiday. There’s festive banquets and pudding parades, a 20-foot-high Christmas tree grown on the estate, a scenic Christmas cruise, live Irish music, crackling fires, a range of outdoor activities like falconry and archery, plus a world-class spa. From the decadent breakfasts and traditional afternoon tea, to the black-tie gala dinner on Christmas Eve and the sumptuous five-course Christmas Day lunch, the food alone will be unforgettable. 

Stay at Ashford Castle on: Castles & Kingdoms

We think you’ll also like: From a festive cruise to parading puddings, this is how Ashford Castle celebrates Christmas

Fairmont Château Lake Louise, Canada

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Photo credit: @fairmontcll

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Photo credit: @fairmontcll

Set among the snowy Canadian Rockies on the shores of the iconic frozen Lake Louise, the Fairmont Château Lake Louise is the quintessential Christmas destination. The holiday season is a magical affair here, with towering Christmas trees, twinkling light tunnels, ice sculptures, ice skating, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, and chances to spot the Northern Lights. There are special holiday menus and gourmet delights, plus lots of entertainment for children including visits from Santa Claus himself. On Christmas Eve, the hotel hosts a magnificent torchlight procession around the frozen lake, creating an enchanting atmosphere. After indulging in a Christmas Day feast, retreat to the hotel’s spa to unwind in the warm pools. 

Stay at Fairmont Château Lake Louise on: Majesty of the Rockies 

We think you’ll also like: Reconnect with the great outdoors at these luxurious back-to-nature retreats

The Langham, Sydney

The Langham Sydney

Photo credit: @langhamsydney

The Langham Sydney

Photo credit: @langhamsydney

Dreaming of a beach Christmas? Head Down Under to sunny Sydney, Australia! Christmas here means warm weather, beach dips, outdoor barbecues, with all the festive traditions of the Northern Hemisphere, like Christmas trees, carols, and feasts. When you stay at The Langham, you’ll get the best of both worlds with Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feasts and buffets, festive afternoon teas, Christmas carols and concerts, festive cocktails in the Observatory Bar, and special spa packages so you can treat yourself this Christmas. Whether you want to see the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks over Sydney Harbour from the hotel, or experience a summer Christmas, the luxurious Langham is a special festive stay. 

Stay at The Langham on: Inspiring Australia 

We think you’ll also like: Dive Into Luxury at These Incredible Hotel Pools

Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski, Switzerland

Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski, Switzerland

Photo credit: @kempinskistmoritz

Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski, Switzerland

Photo credit: @kempinskistmoritz

If you imagine charming alpine villages, snowy mountains, and twinkling lights for your Christmas holiday, you’ve got to head to the Swiss Alps. A stay at the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski allows you to fully embrace the festivities, with resplendent decorations and gourmet traditional feasts on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The nearby Engadin Valley also comes alive with Christmas markets, local crafts and traditions, world-class skiing, and horse-drawn carriage rides through the breathtaking snowy landscapes. At the end of the day, unwind in the hotel’s spa, with rejuvenating treatments and soothing saunas and pools. 

Stay at Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski on: Majestic Switzerland

We think you’ll also like: Embrace Winter in One of These Luxury Resorts in Switzerland

The Peabody Memphis, United States

The Peabody Memphis

Photo credit: @peabodymemphis

The Peabody Memphis

Photo credit: @peabodymemphis

For a Christmas experience steeped in history and Southern charm, The Peabody Memphis is an iconic choice. Located in the heart of downtown Memphis, the hotel lights up with special holiday concerts and events during December. The famous daily tradition of the “Peabody Ducks March” continues but with a special twist – the ducks don festive attire, including adorable Santa hats. You can catch the hotel’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, with a 30-foot tall tree adorned in 20,000 twinkling lights. The Peabody also has special holiday extras like gingerbread cookies, festive cocktails, and hot cocoa, and there’s plenty to explore across the city including a unique Elvis-themed Christmas experience at Graceland. 

Stay at The Peabody Memphis on: Southern Grace

We think you’ll also like: Our top 10 hand-picked luxury hotel stays for 2023

Hotel Union Geiranger, Norway

Hotel Union Geiranger

Photo credit: @hoteluniongeiranger

Hotel Union Geiranger

Photo credit: @hoteluniongeiranger

Perched on the edge of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, with snow-capped peaks and Northern Lights, this hotel transports you to a winter wonderland straight out of a fairy tale. After a day of fjord cruising, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, return to the cozy Hotel Union Geiranger, with traditional Norwegian treats, candlelit dinners, bubbling spas, saunas, and roaring fireplaces. Sip on hot mulled wine while watching for the dancing Northern Lights, or experience local markets, music and crafts. You may even have a chance to meet Santa Claus, who is known to make special appearances in the Geiranger area.

Stay at Hotel Union Geiranger on: Timeless Scandinavia

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Belmond das Cataratas, Brazil

Belmond das Cataratas, Brazil

Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas

Belmond das Cataratas, Brazil

Photo credit: @belmondhoteldascataratas

For those seeking a warm-weather Christmas, the Belmond das Cataratas in Brazil is a beautiful place to be in December. Located within the Iguazu Falls National Park, you’ll be immersed in a tropical paradise, with the thundering Iguassu falls, lush rainforests, and vibrant wildlife. And just because it isn’t snowing, doesn’t mean you miss out on the classic Christmas cheer. The festivities are turned all the way up here, with live music, Christmas feasts, outdoor picnics, and activities for kids. If you stay until the New Year, you’ll get to see lively parties, parades and fireworks. 

Stay at Belmond das Cataratas on: Classic South America

We think you’ll also like: Connect With the Natural World Through These Exclusive Experiences

The Rubens at the Palace, England

Rubens at the Palace

Photo credit: @rubenshotel

Rubens at the Palace

Photo credit: @rubenshotel

London is a magical place during the Christmas season, and The Rubens at the Palace has a front-row seat to all the festivities. Located opposite Buckingham Palace, guests can explore the city’s Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and dazzling light displays. The hotel itself puts on a grand festive show, including traditional Christmas afternoon teas and a sumptuous Christmas Day lunch, along with enchanting decor and twinkling fir trees throughout the hotel. From the glamorous bedrooms to the red tail-coated doormen, get the full royal treatment this Christmas.

Stay at Rubens at the Palace on: British Royale 

We think you’ll also like: How Travel Concierge Michael Gives a Royal Welcome in the UK

 

Banner image credit: @ashfordcastle

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