There are few things as wonderful or whimsical as a life-sized cookie masterpiece. This time of year, skilled pastry teams at luxury hotels work diligently to cook up holiday magic with gingerbread houses that have to be seen (and smelled) to be believed. These extravagant confectionery creations not only require significant amounts of candy, but a great deal of creativity and care.
From life-size gingerbread structures to elegant, chocolate nutcracker displays, these are the eight creations we’ll be dreaming about this holiday.
El Palace Barcelona
This Four-Star Barcelona hotel has transformed its seventh-floor, indoor rooftop garden into an enchanting gingerbread house. The cozy space is adorned with twinkling lights and even offers classic seasonal dishes, including stuffed turkey, raclette and black forest Christmas tree cake.
After taking in the sweet surroundings, children can participate in a special workshop through December 28, creating their own cookie structures and a new family tradition.
JOALI Maldives
Experience the wonder of the Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star island resort with the captivating gingerbread house display at Vandhoo restaurant. This life-size cookie creation, complete with a Christmas tree, offers guests a chance to literally step inside for a fairy tale-like experience.
And for those feeling inspired, the festive fun continues as everyone is invited to lend a hand to help decorate the halls of the gingerbread house, fitting for a resort whose motto is “The Joy of Living.”
Villa Copenhagen
The talented team at Villa Copenhagen‘s Rug Bakery has created a confection that honors the hotel’s history as the former Central Post Office of Denmark’s capital city. You can admire the bakers’ work in the design-forward hotel’s courtyard, where a special menu featuring gløgg and housemade apple strudel brings a cozy hygge atmosphere.
While you’re there, don’t miss the traditional lonely Christmas tree, set up in partnership with the Danish Red Cross to collect gifts for children living in Danish asylum centers.
Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach, California
Every year, this Huntington Beach hotel makes December a little sweeter with an impressive gingerbread display. Paséa‘s elves created an oversized replica of the lobby this year, using the property’s original blueprint as its delectable guide. The vision was brought life with 170 pounds of dough, 100 pounds of flour, 50 pounds of icing and a generous sprinkle of holiday magic.
The Lodge at Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, New York
Travel the world with Four-Star hotel’s spectacular gingerbread village. This Upstate New York getaway’s holiday cookie constructions consistently amaze, and this year’s display, inspired by international celebrations, is no exception.
From the Japanese log cabin and English farmhouse to the Italian train station and German carousel, every element has been painstakingly executed by the talented pastry team. For the elaborate display, which includes a train that runs through the village, bakers utilized 1,000 pounds of royal icing, 400 pounds of gingerbread, 20 gallons of molasses, 100 pounds of fondant and an astonishing 700 pounds of candy.
The Inn & Club at Harbour Town, Hilton Head, South Carolina
Seventy pounds of chocolate and more than 80 hours of labor and careful planning went into creating the Four-Star Inn & Club at Harbour Town’s chocolate nutcracker. Executive pastry chef Iain Jones planned every component, from the pots and pans used as molds to its elegant presentation in the lobby, which is surrounded by gingerbread houses uniquely designed by members of the confectionery crew.
The pastry staff applied the same level of care to its construction as it did to its choice of “building materials,” like chocolate from Cacao Barry Purity, a brand that sources cacao sustainably and donates a portion of every kilo to support global farmer education, community development and environmentally responsible growing practices.
The St. Regis Istanbul
The pastry team at celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck’s renowned Spago Istanbul shows off its exceptional skills with a grand gingerbread house in this Four-Star property’s regal lobby. The Puck-approved attention to detail can be seen in the intricately piped icing icicles hanging from the eaves, the decorative lettering that spells out “House of Astor” above the front door and the meticulously crafted baked bricks and shingles.
Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa, Marbella, Spain
Each year Marbella Club Hotel pays tribute to the heritage of its historic beachfront retreat through a delightful tradition: a gingerbread rendition of the property’s iconic Mediterranean architecture and seaside scenery. This edible display is made from gingerbread-style cookie dough, sugar, royal icing and various candy components, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. As the resort continues to grow, so too does the gingerbread version, with new restaurants and spaces being faithfully reproduced every holiday season.
