With Thanksgiving plates cleared and leftover turkey packed away, it’s finally time to turn our attention to the daunting task of making out a Christmas wish list. But this year, instead of a sweater or new set of golf clubs, ask for something you really want — a trip to the far-off destination of your dreams.
Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos All Inclusive Golf & Spa
This gorgeous, all-inclusive resort on the sun-drenched sands of Los Cabos makes for an inviting place to hole up for your next Mexico vacation. Nine restaurants, a wine-themed spa, six swimming pools and mesmerizing sea views make this escape extra enticing.
Instead of packing your schedule with a parade of obligations — of course, we can’t blame you for wanting to play 18 holes on the stunning Ocean Course — embrace the Baja lifestyle with morning walks on the beach, afternoon margaritas and ceviche at sundown. Your Instagram feed will thank you.
Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai at Pudong
A romantic getaway is the antidote to seasonal stress. This Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Shanghai skyscraper elevates the average date night with a sensuous late-night offer: after 11 p.m., you can reserve the 41st-floor infinity pool for a private evening in, complete with skyline views, canapés and champagne to toast your well-deserved alone time.
To make it even more memorable, kick off the evening with The Ultimate, a couple’s pampering session at Four-Star Flare Spa. Enjoy tandem Four Hands at Four Seasons Massages, 90-minute Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Signature Facials and a bath for two paired with flutes of bubbly and caviar prior to your late-night swim.
If your wish list includes a visit to somewhere new, this Four-Star stay should fit the bill. A convenient home base for exploring Malaysia’s capital, this stately stay puts you within arm’s reach of top attractions like Perdana Botanical Garden, the National Museum and the striking Petronas Twin Towers.
Just outside downtown, The St. Regis offers a serene respite between adventures with its extra-large accommodations (starting at 678 square feet), a lake-view spa and an impressive contemporary art collection — be sure to snap a selfie or two with Fernando Botero’s unmissable giant horse sculpture.
Celebrate the season at this chic boutique hotel in Lisbon. Spend your days wine tasting and exploring historic neighborhoods before sipping sundowners at the property’s popular Rossio Gastrobar and sundeck. Be sure to sample some of Portugal’s famed vintages while soaking up stunning views over terra cotta roofs.
While it may be tempting to curl up in your chic, art-deco-inspired digs, we recommend pulling yourself away from your room and strolling down Avenida de Liberdade (one of the world’s most expensive shopping streets) to browse the season’s hottest looks.
The Douglas, Autograph Collection
Whether you crave a night to let loose after family festivities or a quiet retreat from the everyday hustle, this chic hotel within the expansive Parq Vancouver casino complex provides exactly what you need.
Try your luck on the 72,000-square-foot, bi-level gaming floor and spend your winnings (or forget about your losses) on indulgent eats at eight dining and drinking outlets, like sleek steakhouse The Victor or casual-cool Honey Salt.
After the revelry, head upstairs to the cozy confines of your room, where buffalo plaid accents, Douglas-fir motifs and cabin-like interiors come standard.
The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
Have a rejuvenating escape, L.A.-style, at this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended waterfront resort.
Featuring its namesake skincare line, the property’s Sisley Spa doles out refreshing therapies, such as Replumping Youth Facial with Rose and the essential-oil-enhanced Sisleya Relaxing Body Treatment to counteract wintertime stressors. Polish off your spa day with a Sisley Deluxe Manicure — exfoliation and paraffin treatments make this mani particularly luxurious.
Show off your newly lacquered fingers with dinner, a glass of California pinot noir and unbelievable marina views on Cast & Plow’s waterfront terrace.
Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest
Perched in the heart of Budapest’s busy downtown, this Four-Star hotel makes for an opulent stay, no matter how you choose to while away your time in the city.
While exploring St. Stephen’s Basilica and the stately parliament building are popular pastimes, we suggest avoiding the crowds and giving yourself the gift of a soak in one of the thermal pools around town — both Lukacs and Szechenyi baths are about a 10-minute drive from the posh property.
Back at the hotel, warm up during Budapest Afternoon Tea in The Living Room with steaming brews and mugs of local Harrer’s hot chocolate.
Experience Bali’s beloved beaches, striking sunsets and rich culture in high style when you add this Four-Star Jimbaran Bay hideaway to your Christmas list.
While you may feel like you’re on the edge of the world at this secluded 222-acre resort (no other hotels are visible from the picturesque grounds), you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to leisurely pursuits. Cooking classes and cultural excursions (shopping in Seminyak, browsing the fish markets of Jimbaran) are popular, but an afternoon at the ultra-exclusive (two treatments rooms, bespoke treatments) Spa on the Rocks is a must.
No matter how you fill your days, be sure to toast the evening’s sun-streaked skies at the resort’s Instagram-worthy Rocks Bar.
Gran Meliá Rome Villa Agrippina
Treat yourself to a Roman holiday with a stay at this Four-Star Eternal City gem. With its sprawling gardens, spacious pool deck and striking cocktail lounge, the luxury hotel makes you feel miles away from the bustle of Italy’s ancient capital just outside the front door.
If you can tear yourself away from your gorgeous accommodations, check out the myriad attractions within walking distance. Crowds may diminish in December (most winter visitors head here for Epiphany in early January), but any time you visit in 2020, we’re certain you can snap great shots of the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum and picturesque palazzos near the hotel.
Summer runs through February 29 in Australia, and this lavish Five-Star getaway provides plenty of ways to take advantage of Melbourne’s mild (mid-70 degrees Fahrenheit) weather during that span.
Hop in a helicopter for a Yarra Valley wine-tasting adventure, hit the links with your crew at nearby Capital Golf Club or dine on seasonally inspired Italian cuisine on the terrace at Rosetta.
Once you’ve called it a night, soak in your luxurious tub — marble walls, crystal chandeliers and TVs make these bathrooms a treat.
