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Park Hyatt New York Unveils $10 Million Mega Suite
By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Spencer Whaley

December 6, 2024

Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Park Hyatt New York celebrated its 10-year anniversary recently with a grand gift: a new, 3,500-square-foot, $10 million mega suite in a private wing on the hotel’s top floor that is a fitting addition to Billionaire’s Row.

The new Manhattan Suite offers breathtaking views of Central Park, impeccable design and ample space. But what distinguishes it is its ability to create an experience that combines the luxury of a hotel with the personalized warmth of a home. A kitchen comes fully stocked and a refrigerator gets filled with groceries customized to each guest’s preferences. A wardrobe, curated by a professional stylist, hangs in the closet. And a dedicated personal concierge tends to any other needs around the clock. Every aspect of your stay is crafted to feel like home suite home.

Occupying an entire wing of the hotel’s exclusive 25th floor, the suite also offers the ultimate luxury: total flexibility. The Manhattan Suite and two connected Central Park Balcony Suites provide a private and intimate stay, with the option to rent each of the three rooms individually, as a side-by-side setup or as a three-bedroom entity. When all spaces are connected, you have three bedrooms, three full bathrooms, two half-bathrooms and balconies, all comfortably accommodating 10 guests.

In addition to the rooms’ versatility, each suite features customizable areas. The Manhattan Suite uniquely includes an additional room, a rarity for New York City hotels. This extra space can serve as an office, a playroom or a private gym that can be outfitted with a Peloton bike.

Guests can tailor their hotel experience in any of the three suites. If you’re visiting for family fun, the Central Park Balcony Suites feature pull-out couches and a teepee can be set up to delight younger visitors. If you’re seeking a wellness retreat, the suite can transform into a sanctuary with the aforementioned Peloton, a Bryte Balance smart bed and on-demand fitness programming. The 1,400-square-foot units also have a well-appointed living area with adjoining patios.

Back at the Manhattan Suite, the living and dining spaces steal the show. The door opens to a breathtaking wall of 18-foot windows that frame stunning 180-degree cityscape views. A gleaming dining room table with seating for eight and a 165-inch, glare-free mounted television command the other half of the space. Crushed light pink velvet couches encircling an eye-catching asymmetrical coffee table lend an elegant yet inviting feel.

Covered in soothing gray, the main bathroom pampers with an oversized marble soaking tub, a walk-in rain shower/steam room, Le Labo toiletries and heated marble floors.

Furthering the warmth are all the over-the-top suite’s residential-style amenities. Upon booking, the hotel provides suite guests with an intake form to specify dietary restrictions, preferred brands and any other requests, ensuring their grocery list is ready and waiting for them upon arrival. Miele appliances — a built-microwave, wall oven, induction stovetop and dishwasher — round out the dreamy kitchen.

Thank New York interior design studio Sawyer & Company for the awe-inspiring aesthetics in the kitchen and elsewhere. The creative firm incorporates geometric shapes, bold light fixtures, varied fabric textures and organic materials into an unexpected scene that reflects the city’s dynamic energy.

The suites also feature an impressive art collection that rivals the stunning views of Central Park. Tatar Art Projects, a world-renowned art consulting firm, assisted Park Hyatt New York in curating the captivating pieces. As you walk through the rooms, you’ll feel as if you’re wandering through an expertly curated gallery. Many of the works and artists have been showcased in the Guggenheim, MoMA or Paris’ Centre Pompidou.

Other thoughtful touches include more than 50 New York- and art-inspired coffee-table books elegantly tucked into built-in bookshelves and custom embroidered pillowcases and robes.

And speaking of fashion statements, one of the suite’s unique perks comes courtesy of Park Hyatt New York’s partnership with Nordstrom. With a Manhattan Suite stay, guests can arrange to have a stylist tailor a vacation wardrobe that will be waiting in their closet upon check-in.

10 Top Paris Attractions
By Correspondent Lane Nieset

December 5, 2024

Paris' Bateaux Mouches river cruise — View the city from a Bateaux Mouches river cruise. *Credit: iStock-Jean LucIchard*

Paris is always a good idea. Each season offers charm and attractions, from the holiday decorations and Christmas markets in winter to Paris Plages’ pop-up beaches and swimming spots in summer. If you’re planning a trip to the French capital city and trying to narrow down the top attractions to check off your list, we’ve pulled together 10 of the best, from iconic cabarets to the city’s most spectacular gardens, and the tastiest places to eat and drink between sightseeing.

Cruise the Seine River

The Bateaux Mouches river cruises are one of the best ways to sightsee in Paris since you’ll pass by the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Notre Dame, which reopens in early December. Take your pick of brunch, lunch or a dreamy dinner on the water at sunset, watching as the city lights up and the Eiffel Tower twinkles on the hour.

Paris' Musée d’Orsay — See the world’s largest collection of Impressionist paintings. *Credit: iStock-Natallia Photo*

Visit the Musée d’Orsay

Paris boasts more than a hundred museums, but one that tops the list is the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a former Beaux Arts train station, the beloved stop features the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world. You’ll find paintings by all the greats, like Degas, Van Gogh, Monet, Gauguin and more. A few highlights include Manet’s Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe and Renoir’s Bal du moulin de la Galette.

Sainte-Chapelle in Paris — The stunning Sainte-Chapelle. *Credit: iStock-capital marathon*

Admire Sainte-Chapelle’s stained-glass windows

The 13th-century, Gothic-style royal chapel on Île de la Cité may not be as famous as neighboring Notre Dame, but its interiors are some of the most impressive in Europe. Once considered a “new Jerusalem” during the medieval era, Sainte-Chapelle held 22 religious relics, including the Crown of Thorns. Today, the highlight is the set of stained-glass windows, which stretches more than 42 feet high and features 1,113 Old and New Testament scenes.

Paris' Tuileries Garden — Tuileries Garden is more like an open-air museum. *Credit: iStock-Consu1961*

Stroll through the Tuileries Garden

The former royal family playground in the heart of Paris dates back nearly 500 years and was once where King Louis XIII hunted as a child and Napoleon I’s son played. Sprawling along the Seine, the Tuileries Garden — the current landscaping is the work of the king’s famous gardener, André Le Nôtre — resembles an open-air museum with sculptures by the likes of Auguste Rodin and Jean Dubuffet. Make your way to the western corner, along the Place de la Concorde, where the Musée de l’Orangerie houses a permanent collection of Claude Monet’s Water Lilies series.

Moulin Rouge in Paris — The one place you have to go for dancing and dinner. *Credit: iStock-Valerie Loiseleux*

Catch a Moulin Rouge show

The capital of cabaret, and one of the most iconic spectacles in Paris, is the Moulin Rouge in Pigalle, whose symbolic red windmill sits below the hilltop village of Montmartre. Known for the dancers’ French cancan high kicks and ruffled skirts, the Féerie revue dinner show features a thousand costumes adorned with feathers, sequins and rhinestones showcased in themed scenes that range from the decks of a pirate ship in Indonesia to a traveling circus.

Marché des Enfants Rouge in Paris — Sample from the oldest food market in the city. *Credit: iStock-Pascale Gueret*

Eat at the Marché des Enfants Rouge

A highlight in the gallery- and boutique-filled Marais neighborhood, this bustling, maze-like food market is the oldest in the city, dating back to 1615. You’d never guess its age considering the inclusion of more modern vendors and eateries like The Butcher of Paris, where you can post up on a stool along the counter or at one of the wooden communal high-top tables for natural wine, charcuterie and croque monsieur ham- and Comté-stuffed sandwiches.

Browse the Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen flea market

Carve out an entire weekend day to stroll the 12 covered markets sprawling across nearly 17 acres in the northern stretch of Paris. Considered the largest antiques and second-hand goods market in the world, with nearly 5 million visitors browsing its stalls each year, it sells antique tableware and silver, vintage designer bags and clothing, posters, books and furniture for every design aesthetic.

Le Bon Georges bistro — A meal at a French bistro should always be on the menu. *Credit: iStock-Alex Kozlov*

Dine at a classic Parisian bistro

The French bistro concept has been replicated worldwide, but nothing beats what you’ll find in its birthplace. A favorite for locals and visitors alike, Le Bon Georges checks all the boxes: rattan chairs and tables spilling out on the sidewalk terrace, chalkboard signs etched with timeless classics like oeufs mayo (a French egg dish) and pâté en croute (a pastry-wrapped meat pie), a wine list as thick as a Proust book. You can’t go wrong with the chef’s steak tartare, served plain to let the flavor of the meat shine, paired with housemade frites and a sommelier-selected glass of rouge from Burgundy.

Sip cocktails at Bar Hemingway at Ritz Paris

The cigar lounge-style cocktail bar is a Paris institution, lined with memorabilia from one of Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star Ritz Paris’ most famous guests: Ernest Hemingway. Bar Hemingway’s Old World ambiance, with its unchanged décor (Hemingway’s typewriter, hand-written letters), wood-lined walls and sumptuous leather booths, make the 25-seat spot feel like a scene from Midnight in Paris. If you’re craving a dirty martini, this is the place, but the house specialty is made-to-order artisanal cocktails adorned with a signature tennis ball-sized rose for the ladies.

Le Bon Marché in Paris — Le Bon Marché is a retail institution in Paris.

Shop at Paris’ oldest department store, Le Bon Marché

Paris’ grands magasins (department stores) are just as much part of the city’s fabric as Saks Fifth Avenue or Bergdorf Goodman are to New York’s. Le Bon Marché, with its Louis-Charles Boileau- and engineer Gustave Eiffel-designed interiors, is the oldest department store in the city. You’ll find a mix of designer and ready-to-wear fashion lines. The ground floor’s bazaar-like arrangement of stands is a great spot to stock up on souvenirs. And if you’re looking for treats to take home, you’ll find plenty at gourmet food emporium La Grande Épicerie next door.

Guide, Shopping

Where To Find The Best Shopping In London
By Correspondent Eva Ramirez

December 4, 2024

London's Carnaby Street — Carnaby Street is a go-to spot for bold and creative fashion. *Credit: iStock-JJ Farquitectos*

London is one of the fashion capitals of the world. Its blend of centuries-old heritage, cutting-edge fashion and design makes it a premier destination for luxury shopping. So, whether a whole new wardrobe, quirky interior pieces or vintage finds catch your eye, you’ll want to carve out some time for shopping while visiting the city.

With upscale districts for a designer spree, department stores, markets and cobblestone squares filled with independent stores, there are myriad places to explore for a bit of retail therapy. Read on for our guide to the best places to shop in the U.K. capital.

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Iconic Department Stores

Harrods

Few names are as synonymous with luxury shopping in London as Harrods. This iconic department store in Knightsbridge is vast, so you’ll want to dedicate a few hours to your visit. Spanning more than a million square feet, Harrods stocks global designer brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermès, alongside exclusive departments like The Fine Jewelry Room and the world-renowned Food Hall.

Selfridges

On the bustling Oxford Street, Selfridges offers a more modern high-end shopping experience. The department store is known for its innovative retail experiences and pop-up collaborations that deliver coveted collections you won’t find elsewhere. The gift-wrapping service here is great, and if you’re in the mood for some pampering, head to the Beauty Concierge on the ground floor.

Liberty London

Housed in a Tudor revival building, Liberty London is a marvel marrying history with a discerning eye for contemporary design. While the store is famous for its Liberty prints and eclectic selection of fashion and homeware, its floral scarves, bags and homewares make wonderful keepsakes. Its fabric department is a must for those who hold craftsmanship in high regard, while the iconic flower shop at the entrance makes for a great photo opportunity.

Fortnum & Mason

Fortnum & Mason is the place to visit for authentic British tradition. This more than 300-year-old Piccadilly institution draws in crowds for its gourmet food hall, luxurious hampers (or gift baskets) and quintessential afternoon tea. Pair your excursion with a picturesque walk in nearby St James’s Park.

Luxury Streets and Districts

Bond Street

Bond is one of London’s most iconic shopping streets, home to flagship stores and high-end jewelry boutiques like Tiffany & Co., Chanel and Prada. Strolling along Bond Street is as much about the experience as the shopping, and there are plenty of stylish cafés and restaurants to fuel your trip.

Carnaby Street

Soho’s Carnaby Street is a vibrant hub and former epicenter of London’s 1960s swinging scene. Today, it remains a go-to spot for bold and creative fashion. Just off the pedestrianized, store-lined main street are little back roads with unique finds, such as The Great Frog for rock-star-worthy jewelry.

Savile Row

Renowned as the birthplace of bespoke tailoring, Savile Row is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates a well-cut suit. Home to legendary tailors like Gieves & Hawkes and Huntsman, it remains a global symbol of British craftsmanship and style.

Sloane Street

In the heart of Chelsea, Sloane Street is a refined shopping experience with its designer boutiques, including Dior, Gucci and Tom Ford. The area is known for its scenic residential side roads and well-heeled residents. The nearby Kings Road, with its boho roots, is also worth perusing.

Mayfair

Established luxury brands, emerging designers and inspiring art galleries all call Mayfair home. From boutiques such as Jenny Packham and Goyard on Mount Street to cultural treasures on Albemarle Street, Mayfair encapsulates London’s vibrant and diverse luxury scene. Stop at The Audley Public House for a delicious meal in one of the city’s most elegant pubs.

Stylish Neighborhoods

Westbourne Grove

In the heart of Notting Hill, Westbourne Grove is a chic neighborhood that blends high-end fashion, boutiques and charming cafés. You’ll find designer stores like French womenswear label Sézane alongside wellness brands like Diptyque and Daylesford Organic. It’s a quieter, more relaxed alternative to Oxford Street’s fuss.

Portobello Road

Just a stone’s throw from Westbourne Grove is this beloved London market. Here, you’ll find vibrant market stalls, vintage shops, quaint cafés and mouthwatering street food. Saturdays are the best days to come by — the street is lined with stalls selling antiques, vintage clothing and unique treasures. It’s a hot spot for those hunting one-of-a-kind finds.

Chiltern Street

Nestled in Marylebone, Chiltern Street is home to niche designers and exclusive boutiques like Casely-Hayford for impeccable modern tailoring and Tracksmith, a U.S.-based running gear specialist whose first European outpost has been a hit with Londoners. Those into glossy pages will love Air Mail News, an independent magazine retailer stocking an array of global titles.

Burlington Arcade

This historic, covered shopping arcade is like a step back in time. It offers a one-of-a-kind mix of antique jewelry and exclusive boutiques with Old World charm, making a delightful contrast to London’s busy streets. When you go, don’t forget to pick up some macarons at Ladurée.

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Unique Experiences

Luxury Vintage Shopping

Explore London’s luxury vintage stores for a sustainable twist on high-end retail. Spots like Rellik maintain carefully curated collections of pre-loved designer pieces, perfect for those who value uniqueness.

Personal Shopping Services

If you’d like expert advice to enhance your wardrobe, there’s no shortage of highly talented personal shoppers in London. These specialists offer bespoke styling and can help acquire popular or sold-out items, too, if you’re lucky. Stores like Harrods and Selfridges provide tailored services that cater to your preferences and style.

Hotels, News

First Look: Moncayo, Auberge Resorts Collection Coming To Puerto Rico
By Forbes Travel Guide Editor Jennifer Kester

December 3, 2024

Puerto Rico's Moncayo — Moncayo’s captivating villa. *Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection*

Luxury hotel brand Auberge will make its Puerto Rico debut with the opening of Moncayo, Auberge Resorts Collection in 2027.

The waterfront hotel will be part of Moncayo, a 1,100-acre private village on the island’s eastern coast (about 34 miles from San Juan) that will include a 400-acre nature reserve, a 100-acre organic farm and nursery, an 18-hole Mackenzie & Ebert-designed golf course and 400 residences.

“We are honored to have been chosen to manage this remarkable Caribbean property that will set new standards for luxury in Puerto Rico and globally,” said Dan Friedkin, chairman of Auberge Resorts Collection. “Moncayo is an exciting addition to our collection of hotels, resorts and residences, and it aligns perfectly with our continued expansion into the most alluring destinations in the world.”

Nestled between the jungle-covered mountains of El Yunque National Forest and the Caribbean’s largest marina, Puerto del Rey, the Puerto Rico hotel will provide a base for easy day trips to the nearby Spanish, U.S. and British Virgin Islands, and beyond via boat.

But travelers will stay busy back in Puerto Rico with a program of Auberge-curated experiences that explore island life, the area’s impressive biodiversity and the vibrant culture. The engaging activities will include guided jungle hikes, salsa nights and diving and sport fishing adventures.

The hotel will mark the brand’s second property in the Caribbean, joining Etéreo in Mexico’s Riviera Maya. “We are delighted to expand Auberge’s global portfolio in the Caribbean’s most exciting and dynamic new luxury destination, Moncayo,” said Christian Clerc, president and CEO of Auberge Resorts Collection. “The resort will provide one-of-a-kind experiences that will immerse guests and residents in Puerto Rico’s natural beauty and cultural richness, serving as the heartbeat of this thriving new community. The villas and residences will offer the rare opportunity to call this captivating destination home.”

While the residences will enjoy added privacy tucked along the hillside, Moncayo will sit on the on the white sand beach. Toronto-based Studio Paolo Ferrari (the firm behind the sleek, futuristic villa interiors at the new Shebara Resort in the Red Sea) will design the 68-suite, 15-villa resort. Every suite, villa and private residence will have unobstructed Caribbean Sea views that stretch from nearby Isla de Ramos to Vieques and Culebra.

To further immerse guests in nature, each suite will come with its own garden with water features, plunge pools, landscaped decks and cabanas. Inside, the light-filled units will possess natural materials, sand-toned colors, spacious living and dining spaces and one or two bedrooms. Cultural touches and design details will lend a sense of place.

The standalone villas also will offer a scenic oceanfront locale, but the luxurious three- and four-bedroom structures unfold over two expansive levels. That will mean more sea vistas from the indoor and outdoor kitchen and dining and entertainment areas. The villas open onto infinity swimming and spa pools.

The fully appointed residences will provide generous outdoor spaces, chef’s kitchens, open-plan layouts and access to a dedicated Clubhouse and fitness and wellness facilities. Owners will have the opportunity to join The Moncayo Ocean Club, a private club.

Other amenities to watch for at the luxury hotel include oversized, natural-edge swimming pools that cascade to the beachfront. In a bid to become a culinary hot spot in the region, Moncayo will have a host of dining and drinking spots, including hilltop restaurants, a rooftop bar, waterside eateries and lounges, all with cuisine that spans from local to global. The Auberge Spa will draw from the island’s tropical medicinal plants and Taíno healing traditions for tailored wellness journeys.

Then there are the amenities in the wider Moncayo community. It was conceived by Hart Howerton, a company that specializes in unique environments that prioritize natural resources, like Half Moon, Salamander Collection in Jamaica; Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina; Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection in Los Cabos; and The Cloister and The Lodge at Sea Island in Georgia.

In Moncayo, it sought to build a longevity-enhancing village whose restaurants and market get produce from an onsite 100-acre organic farm that adheres to eco-conscious, regenerative agriculture practices. The vast nature reserve will rim the championship golf course, and other golf offerings include a family-friendly nine-hole course and an undulating two-acre putting park. A K-12 international school and comprehensive medical and wellness centers will be available as well.

Attractions and Landmarks, Guide

How To Spend Three Days In Osaka
By Correspondent Gizelle Lau

December 2, 2024

Osaka has been a longtime economic hub in the Kansai region, gaining prominence throughout history thanks to the Port of Osaka, a hub for local and global commerce and trade. But a renowned food scene, rich history and culture and bountiful shopping are what draw travelers to Japan’s third largest city (behind Tokyo and Yokohama).

If you’re looking to visit for a few days, here are some great ideas for a short itinerary to take advantage of the must-see sights and bites in Osaka and beyond.

The St. Regis Osaka exudes bespoke style. *Credit: Starwood Hotels Resorts Worldwide Inc.*

Day One

Arriving in Osaka, you’ll quickly get immersed in the hustle and bustle of one of Japan’s biggest metropolitan centers, where dozens of neighborhoods are separated by many bridges — just over 800, in fact — crossing the main Yodo River and other tributaries and canals.

Make your way to check in to Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The St. Regis Osaka. On Midosuji Avenue (considered the Champs-Élysées of Osaka), the hotel is a favorite of travelers with a distinct taste for luxury shops. As you step into the main entrance, a sense of tranquility sets in. And that feeling is only enhanced by the St. Regis butlers, whose white-glove treatment includes packing and unpacking, two pressed clothing items per day, arranging dinner reservations and any other requests you may have during your stay.

If you’re feeling peckish after your travels, pop in for a traditional afternoon tea service at The St. Regis Bar to enjoy the outdoor 12th-floor rooftop Zen garden and seasonal Japanese sake garden, or stop in at the lobby at dusk for the signature champagne sabrage (where someone will open a bottle with a saber in grand fashion) and complimentary bubbly. If you’re looking to stretch your legs, explore the shops that Midosuji offers.

Osaka's Dotonbori — The Dotonbori district buzzes at all hours. *Credit: Gizelle Lau*

For your first evening in Osaka, head to the lively Dotonbori district as the sun sets to experience the sights, sounds and bright billboards, including the famous Glico man advertisement. Embrace the commotion of the local restaurants, turning out street eats like okonomiyaki (savory pancakes made to order on a flat-top grill) at Okonomiyaki Mizuno or Namba Okonomiyaki Ajinoya Honen; crab feasts at famous spots like Kani Doraku; or Osaka-style kitsune udon noodles at Dotonbori Imai Honten.

Once you’ve had your fill, spend the rest of your night strolling Shinsaibashi, a covered shopping arcade stretching hundreds of stores, with plenty of smaller streets shooting off into smaller shops, bars and places to visit.

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Day Two

Enjoy breakfast at The St. Regis Osaka, where you can select from fruit and pastries, along with a plated American-style spread of fried eggs with bacon and sausage or a traditional Japanese-style breakfast tray with soy-glazed fish, rice and other pickled vegetables and tofu side dishes.

After your meal, the next stop depends on your travel mood. For those looking to take in the city’s historic, arts or cultural scene, there are a couple of options. Osaka Castle, a reconstruction of the original with a museum-style attraction inside, is an impressive sight. Book your tickets online to skip to the front of the line, and then walk through the city’s history. Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, was founded in the third century. On its grounds, you’ll also pass over the iconic Sorihashi Bridge.

You can also catch a traditional Japanese bunraku show at the National Bunraku Theatre, an Osaka landmark founded in the 17th century that’s one of the only places in the world today to experience the art of Japanese puppeteering.

If the little ones are in tow, enjoy a day at Universal Studios theme park, where you’ll explore areas centered around Jurassic Park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, or spend some time with the manta rays, hammerheads and whale sharks at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world.

After a big day, have a quiet yet elegant evening with dinner at the St. Regis’ Teppanyaki Wajo, where you can take part in a high-end grill experience featuring fine ingredients from the Kansai and Osaka regions. Under the expert supervision of chef Ryutu Iizuka, who apprenticed under chef Joël Robuchon for many years, the restaurant cooks up seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, beef from Kobe and the even rarer Ishigaki Island, local vegetables and Japanese-grown rice. Finish with a proper matcha green tea service.

The best food in Osaka — From okonomiyaki to high-grade Kobe beef, Osaka and nearby cities deliver great food. *Credit: Gizelle Lau*

Day Three

As your time in Osaka comes to an end, spend the morning visiting Kuromon Market, dating back hundreds of years, where purveyors of fresh seafood, meat and other local produce sell their goods. Have a taste of grilled seafood and yakitori skewers, and be sure not to miss the takoyaki (round, savory-style bites usually filled with octopus), another staple in Osaka.

Other areas of the Kansai region are worth exploring, especially with the extremely efficient train network running through Japan. A train ride of under an hour can bring you to Kyoto, Nara or Kobe for an easy day trip or your next destination. Should you go with this latter option, hotels and train stations provide support for luggage delivery and storage.

Kyoto, the glorious, one-time capital of Japan and seat of the emperor, is chock-full of historic temples, shrines, old-style alleys and the Kamogawa riverside for a stroll or a scenic lunch.

Nara is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, particularly for its cultural and historical significance and the many deer roaming local sites. Visitors can pay respect to the almost 50-foot bronze statue of Buddha at Tōdai-ji or head to Horyu-ji, two of Japan’s oldest temples.

Nearby Kobe offers a day trip for foodies. Many excellent restaurants in the area serve the region’s eponymous meat, a worldwide delicacy that’s known for its fatty, delicious flavor and marbled texture.

Holidays, Hotels

20 Hotels That Will Elevate Your Holidays
By Forbes Travel Guide

November 29, 2024

Glide on by Enchantment Resort for an unforgettable winter vacation. *Credit: Enchantment Resort*

When the weather outside is frightful, there’s nothing more delightful than walking inside a hotel that’s been decked out in holiday cheer. And while any run-of-the-mill property can toss some garland on the reception desk, there are special places that go out of their way to make travelers’ season bright.

The following 20 hotels from around the globe gift their guests with exquisite decorations, themed meals and a festive events calendar.

Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona

Red rocks and pinyon pines set the scene for a packed winter itinerary at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star desert beauty. Ice skate in Boynton Canyon, listen to Mrs. Claus’ stories, participate in holiday cooking and cocktail classes, make seasonal crafts, go stargazing, eat fireside s’mores with Santa, try the Birds of Prey Experience and see Sedona on helicopter tours. Nearby sister property Mii amo provides even more fun: take luminaria-lit labyrinth walks, welcome the winter solstice and manifest your New Year’s goals at the crystal grotto.

Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

You expect a property sitting in the shadows of Epcot to have Christmas spirit, but the things this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star resort does are magical. It doesn’t matter if you’re at the pool (Holly Jolly Poolside Cabana), the spa (Bowls Will Be Singing Vibrational Sound Therapy), the kid’s club (holiday karaoke), the restaurants (Ravello’s Christmas Day buffet) or the new Epilogue speakeasy (seasonal cocktails), a St. Nick-approved activity is happening.

The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, Japan

Even if mountainous Nikko National Park isn’t blanketed with powder, this Four-Star getaway on Lake Chuzenji will be covered in holiday spirit. Amid the property’s serene landscape and stunning architecture, you’ll find everything from bauble-covered bonsai trees to a holiday menu curated by renowned chef Kanji Kobayashi. And when it’s time to say hello to 2025, do so with the First Sunrise ceremony and a New Year’s feast stuffed with the local flavors of the Tochigi prefecture.

Domus Zamittello, Malta

Malta may not be the first place that comes to mind when you envision a picturesque Christmas scene, but a stay at this 16th-century palazzo could change that. Best known for its baroque elegance, the boutique property slips into something a bit jollier this time of year. Republic Street, the road the hotel sits on, sparkles with thousands of lights and a Christmas tree made out of Mdina glass baubles. Nativity cribs, mass choirs and festive foods around the island also help make unforgettable Maltese memories.

French Riviera's Coquillade Provence — Coquillade Provence thrills with decorations, dinners and horse-drawn carriages. *Credit: Coquillade Provence*

Coquillade Provence, French Riviera

Enjoy a holiday escape on the enchanting grounds of this former 11th-century hamlet. On December 1, meet Santa, join Christmas workshops and take horse-drawn carriage rides. Visit throughout the season for the Five-Star hotel’s dinners with special musical performances and multi-course gourmet Christmas meals. Then ring in 2025 at Coquillade Provence with a circus-themed party featuring contortionists, jugglers, artists and caricaturists that culminates with a fireworks display.

Raffles The Palm Dubai

While this Middle East masterpiece presents guests with all the traditional trimmings and a bedazzled tree that soars to the sky, the posh palace also has a holiday event calendar that’s stuffed with themed afternoon teas, a life-sized gingerbread house and a Sola Jazz Lounge playing seasonal Sinatra tunes. And we haven’t even mentioned the eight-piece band performing at the Raffles Royal Masquerade Ball on December 31.

Mokara Hotel & Spa, San Antonio

This Four-Star hotel transforms into a dazzling winter wonderland with more than 100,000 lights. From December 4 to 23, you can also enjoy a festive view of boats filled with carolers parading down the San Antonio River from your guest room window. Feel even more merry and bright by doing any last-minute shopping at the Holiday Art Market just a 10-minute walk from Mokara.

The Boca Raton Beach Club — Beach Club at The Boca Raton is in the Christmas spirit. *Credit: Beach Club at The Boca Raton*

Beach Club at The Boca Raton

Consider the $120 million renovations of the Five-Star hotel an early Christmas gift. This reimagined beachside getaway features three pools, outdoor restaurants, a half-mile stretch of private beach and a holiday events calendar so busy you’ll need an elf assistant to keep up with it. The annual Christmas tree lighting, a Winter Solstice Yoga Festival and storytelling with Santa Claus highlight the holiday fun in the Florida sun.

Hotel Hershey, Hershey, Pennsylvania

A stay at the Four-Star Hotel Hershey allows families to make extra sweet memories. Overnight guests who visit through January 1 will receive tickets to Hersheypark Christmas Candylane, the festive rendition of Pennsylvania’s beloved theme park. As a part of the attraction’s Yuletide makeover, the place is illuminated by 5 million dazzling lights, visited by nine live reindeer and decorated with the signature Kisses Christmas tree.

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu

Envision a tranquil winter morning, with snowflakes softly blanketing a 1,200-year-old Kyoto temple. This dreamy setting is a reality at The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu. The Four-Star treasure mixes the holidays (Christmas-themed meals, vibrant lights) and history (UNESCO World Heritage Site the Kiyomizu Temple is a short walk away) in glorious fashion. Weekly geisha performances at the nearby Yasaka Pagoda only add to the unique stay.

St. Julien Hotel and Spa, Boulder, Colorado

Boulder makes for a perfect December escape, and this Four-Star beauty puts you in a prime downtown address. Here, you’ll find plenty of fun traditions to keep you busy, including the beloved gingerbread tea, a jazzy rendition of tunes from A Charlie Brown Christmas (December 7, 14 and 20) and a candlelit Christmas dinner at Jill’s Restaurant.

Paws Up Montana
Winter adventure awaits at this Four-Star hideaway. Explore the resort’s 100 miles of trails sprawled across 37,000 acres of pristine Montana wilderness by dog sled, horseback, downhill ski or snow tube before gathering around the nightly campfire to share stories over s’mores. During the holidays, you’ll not only find a beautifully decorated Christmas tree in your luxurious cabin, but you’ll encounter a gingerbread house-making contest, live entertainment and much more on the agenda.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Marana, Arizona

If you seek warmth this holiday season, look no further than this Five-Star desert retreat. This hotel features breathtaking scenery, a luxurious Five-Star spa and an exciting array of festive activities. Be the talk of the group chat with pictures of you crafting a tasty mezcal-spiked hot chocolate in a mixology class, decorating a cactus-shaped cake with the hotel’s pastry chef and celebrating Christmas Eve with a four-course dinner at Four-Star CORE Kitchen & Wine Bar.

Ireland's Ashford Castle — Live out your Five-Star fairytale in Ireland. *Credit: The Red Carnation Hotel Collection*

Ashford Castle, Ireland

This Five-Star 800-plus-year-old castle on the shores of Lough Corrib looks like a fairytale, especially in December, when snow covers its grounds, and the grand interiors get festooned with garland and other holiday décor. See it during the festive afternoon tea with views of the lake. When you’ve had your fill, partake in year-round activities like falconry, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, movies in the cinema and games in the billiards room.

Rosewood Baha Mar, The Bahamas

If you prefer water adventures, sign up for the Four-Star hotel’s new Ocean Guardian Experience. You’ll explore the Bahamas underwater during a boating excursion with local dive guide/filmmaker André Musgrove and the Perry Institute for Marine Science’s (PIMS) reef specialist. It includes a snorkel visit to the BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture Garden and a stop where you might spot turtles and stingrays. Some proceeds will support PIMS’ Reef Rescue Network, a Caribbean coalition dedicated to coral restoration.

The St. Regis San Francisco

Embrace the holiday spirit with the Five-Star hotel’s Velveteen Rabbit Experience, which includes a bunny-themed Astra brunch, followed by an ODC/Dance performance of The Velveteen Rabbit across the street at the Blue Shield of California Theater and a photo with the cast afterward. Savor more spirit with 12 days of holiday cocktails (like a spiced maple bourbon fizz), a holiday tea (featuring a chocolate reindeer tart with edible antlers) and the Bloody Mary Day Breakfast, which toasts National Bloody Mary Day and New Year’s Day with a flight.

Telluride's Madeline Hotel and Residences — Hit the slopes in Telluride. *Credit: Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection*

Madeline Hotel and Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection, Telluride, Colorado

Embark on an adrenaline-fueled winter adventure at this Five-Star ski-in, ski-out resort. General manager Bryan Woody recommends the private scenic aerial tour of snow-dusted Arches and Canyonlands national parks that the Madeline offers daily. Or explore the stunning terrain another way: try heli-skiing the backcountry of the Uncompahgre National Forest. Back at the hotel, you’ll enjoy its Western winter wonderland theme with cheerful décor from hatmaker Nick Fouquet.

The Inn at Leola Village, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster is the kind of place that would be the perfect backdrop for one of those light-hearted holiday movies. We’re talking peaceful farms, quaint shops and adorable inns. This Four-Star countryside getaway does its part to set the scene further with hanging stockings, generous tinsel strands all about and some seasonal flavors at Osteria Avanti.

Thompson Chicago

With events such as Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape, Lincoln Park Zoo’s ZooLights and meals at Macy’s Walnut Room, the Windy City makes no secret how it feels about December 25. This Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hot spot shows its fondness for the festivities, too, with elegant decorations throughout the hotel and a few specialty dishes at Tavern on Rush. Thompson Chicago can also be your New Year’s Eve headquarters, seeing as how it’s only 1.5 miles from the Navy Pier fireworks.