As the holiday season fast approaches, cities and resorts around the globe are transforming into magical winter wonderlands. Picture strolling through European Christmas markets under twinkling fairy lights mulled wine in hand, escaping to a luxury alpine resort where snow-covered mountains set the scene, or perhaps a sun-soaked island, where festive fare is served beachside, is more your thing.
Whatever the scene, these seven eco-luxe destinations offer greener ways to celebrate; from renewably powered decorations and farm-to-table feasts, to responsibly sourced bubbly and holiday activities that give back to the environment. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable festive eco-escape this holiday season.
Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort, UAE
LEED gold certified Anantara Mina Al Arab Resort is offering guests a season of fun festivities, set against the backdrop of Ras Al Khaimah’s lush mangroves. Starting with a magical tree-lighting ceremony on the 12th of December, expect elegant afternoon teas with seasonal treats, crafting and decorating gingerbread workshops, and holiday-inspired spa treatments designed to give you a festive glow.
Enjoy Christmas dinners at one of their plastic-free restaurants, whether it’s Mekong, where festive dishes are infused with exotic Asian spices or Sea Breeze, where fresh fare is served in a seaside setting. Stay in sustainably built villas set on stilts, offering uninterrupted views of the sea, each with a private plunge pool – perfect for a refreshing start to Christmas Day (or the day after!)
The Amauris Vienna, Austria
Old-world charm blends with contemporary style at Green Globe certified The Amauris Vienna, a Relais & Châteaux property that knows how to do the holidays in style. This year, the festivities are sprinkled with a touch of sustainability, making it the perfect destination for a mindful celebration.
Starting November 22nd, the festively decorated Glasswing Terrace serves warming mulled wine and seasonal locally sourced snacks. Inside, the fine dining restaurant offers an exceptional Christmas menu that highlights regional produce, while the option to order responsibly sourced champagne adds a decadent touch.
Vienna is famous for its magical Christmas markets which transform the city into a winter wonderland with twinkling lights, mulled wine and traditional craft stalls.
The Dolder Grand, Switzerland
As its 125th anniversary year comes to a close, this historic gem transforms into a scene straight out of a Christmas fairytale. Picture a dazzling five-meter Christmas tree, a life-sized advent calendar, and the grand staircase twinkling with holiday lights all powered by 100 per cent renewable hydropower (the hotel’s electricity supply is carbon neutral after all).
Perfectly nestled between the vibrant city of Zurich and the snow-capped Alps, guests can tailor their holiday at The Dolder Grand with the ‘Festive Me Up!’ package, complete with gourmet breakfasts, spa credits, and even a complimentary car – including electric models – for exploring Switzerland.
The 2-Michelin-starred The Restaurant takes festive dining to new heights with their Alpine-inspired Krug Chalet, where Chef Heiko Nieder and Maître Fromager Rolf Beeler serve the iconic DAS Fondue paired with Krug Grande Cuvée. Not to be missed.
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, Maldives
Starting from December 21, guests at the Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa can enjoy daily activities under the ‘Nature’s Mystique’ program. Offering a whole host of activities tailored for the holiday season, guests can enjoy festive parasailing, Champagne lagoon tasting, festive movies under the stars, Holy Night snorkeling, a little fairies glow party for junior members of the family and so much more.
The calendar of events caters to all ages and kicks off with a tree lighting ceremony on the 21st followed by carols and cocktails. On the morning of the 25th, little ones will love Santa’s visit. Enjoy a day of festivities including Christmas High Tea, a Sunset Cruise with Santa, a Classic Christmas À La Carte Menu and a Christmas Pajama Party!
Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
Raffles London at The OWO, UK
If you’re looking for regal festive magic, Raffles London at The OWO (Old War Office building), is the place to be. This iconic spot offers a dreamy Christmas in the heart of London with a seasonal stay like the Nutcracker Nights package – a two-night stay that includes breakfast, festive treats, Nutcracker ballet tickets, a pre-theatre dinner, and a cosy nightcap.
For something really unique, try the Nutcracker-inspired Afternoon Tea in The Drawing Room, where festive British classics are paired with live piano music and views of Horse Guards. On Christmas Day, enjoy Chef Mauro Colagreco’s festive six-course seasonal tasting menu – that features locally sourced and seasonal produce – or ring in the New Year with fine dining and access to London’s famous fireworks display. Raffles London at The OWO combines tradition and glamour at one of the city’s most historic listed addresses.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Maldives
Green Globe certified, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is welcoming in the festive season with an ‘Eau’ theme, to honour the resort’s ocean environment. The festivities kick off on the 22nd of December with an evening at the resort’s open air EAU Bar, where as the Christmas tree lights up, guests can enjoy festive flavoured Sangu cocktails.
Throughout the holidays, guests can enjoy an array of dining options, including Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger dinners, izakaya menus paired with sake, oriental tea ceremonies, and Champagne raw bars. Adding an extra touch of Christmas, this year’s masterclass will offer guests the chance to create, bake, and decorate their own traditional gingerbread houses.
The resort’s festive program offers a host of activites to keep guests entertained. Enjoy ocean explorations with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program, including turtle snorkeling, sunset cruises on a Maldivian Dhoni boat, sunset soirée painting with champagne, and acro-yoga and sunrise cardio tennis to name but a few.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman
If you love the idea of an exotic festive escape at a top-notch eco-luxe retreat, Six Senses Zighy Bay is your go-to this Christmas. Recognised with an impressive list of certifications, including EarthCheck, Green Globe, and LEED, this sustainable secluded hideaway perfectly pairs stunning mountain views with the blue waters of the Gulf of Oman.
Six Senses Zighy Bay offers a laid-back beach gala for Christmas Eve and a panoramic al fresco Christmas Day brunch perched 950 metres above the coastline at On The Edge. Ring in the New Year with Italian opera, gourmet foods, and a festive countdown under the stars. Families will adore the resort’s eco-activities, from turtle-spotting with Zighy Bay’s resident marine biologist, Jasmine, to cooking classes in their organic garden. For thrill-seekers, kick off festivities with a microlight flight over pristine beaches, or for a slightly less adrenalin fuelled adventure, take a sunset 4×4 cruise up the Al Hajar mountains.
