The year-end travel season is shaping up beautifully, with luxury hotels around the world rolling out festive experiences that mix nostalgia, new discoveries and just the right amount of sparkle.
From candlelit romance at Sofitel and Parisian pâtisserie glamour at St Regis to family friendly ice sculpture playgrounds at Gaylord Hotels and cinematic fashion tie ups at The Ritz-Carlton, holiday escapes are getting more creative than ever. In the Americas, Aman offers everything from winter sun in the Caribbean to wellness rituals high above Midtown Manhattan, while JW Marriott introduces bold Marimekko design to mindful stays across Greater China.
Whether you’re flying far or planning ahead for a festive getaway, these standout stays prove there are countless ways to make the season feel special.
Sofitel Candle Experience Stay Packages Combines Sound, Light and Scent
Sofitel unveils The Candle Experience, available as an optional add-on during the festive season. Guest rooms and suites are transformed into a shimmering sanctuary of candlelight, scent and sound for those seeking a moment of calm amid the holiday rush.
Begin with a door opening onto warm, flickering light as hundreds of LED candles bathe the room in a soft, beckoning glow. Take in the Signature Sofitel fragrance, a blend of bergamot, white rose and sandalwood. A curated Devialet soundscape envelops guests in high-fidelity calm. A bottle of chilled Pommery Champagne and specially crafted festive treats awaits.
Every participating Sofitel adds its own touch to this ultra-exclusive experience, with only one Candle Experience Site available per hotel per night.
| Hotel | Price | What’s Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbour | AUD 250 (add on to room rate) | Candle Experience, chocolate coated strawberries | Perfect for guests who think dessert should arrive before dinner |
| Sofitel Sydney Wentworth | AUD 199 | Candle Experience, box of Christmas themed chocolates, Sofitel Candle to take home | Take home a candle to remind you of your temporary life of luxury |
| Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa | NZD 250 (add on to room rate) | Candle Experience, room decorated with candles, bottle of Pommery Champagne on arrival, gourmet bite pairings, curated playlist through Phantom Devialet Speaker | Romance level: Very High, speaker flex included |
Celebrate the Magic of Festive Season at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts invites travellers to embrace the spirit of the holidays with dazzling festive experiences around the world.
Fairmont has also partnered with luxury Christmas tree brand Balsam Hill and Balsam Hill Canada to unveil “Special Delivery,” a festive campaign celebrating thoughtful giving and connection. At Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Royal York, and Fairmont Hacienda Costa del Sol, guests can admire beautifully decorated Balsam Hill trees, take keepsake photos and enjoy festive treats that support Make A Wish. It blends Fairmont’s signature hospitality with Balsam Hill’s craftsmanship for a meaningful holiday experience.
Fairmont Singapore invites guests to savour the festive season with specially crafted Christmas menus across their restaurants, highlighted by the enchanting Gingerbread Hut at The Stamford Brasserie. For celebrations at home, the “Christmas at Home” offering features handcrafted roasts, festive sides, and signature desserts from Prego and the hotel’s culinary team. Perfect for intimate gatherings or gifting, orders can be placed online from now through December 25.
Fairmont Tokyo invites guests to discover its curated Holiday Gift Set collection, available daily at the 35th-floor Fairmont Spa from now through December 25. Featuring luxurious gifts including pajamas, candles, room sprays and spa bathrobes, the collection offers thoughtful ways to share warmth and gratitude with loved ones.
Fairmont hotels are offering seasonal stays, après ski fun, festive dining, spa treats and New Year celebrations, helping guests make special moments wherever they travel this holiday season. Make Special Happen this festive time of year.
Six Gaylord Hotels Resorts in the US kick off the ICE! Christmas Experience
Gaylord Hotels are bringing back their much loved ICE! experience across six of their destination resorts in the United States. Each location features more than two million pounds of hand carved ice shaped into towering festive scenes based on classic Christmas stories, along with a full programme of seasonal entertainment such as cirque shows, themed dining and family activities. Entry includes the signature blue parka to stay warm inside the nine degree walkthrough wonderland. Tickets and seasonal stay packages are available via ICE.marriott.com.
| Resort | Location | ICE! Theme | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gaylord Opryland Resort | Nashville, Tennessee | A Charlie Brown Christmas | 7 Nov 2025 to 3 Jan 2026 |
| Gaylord Palms Resort | Kissimmee, Florida | Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer | 14 Nov 2025 to 7 Jan 2026 |
| Gaylord National Resort | National Harbor, Maryland | The Polar Express | 14 Nov 2025 to 4 Jan 2026 |
| Gaylord Rockies Resort | Aurora, Colorado | Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas | 24 Nov 2025 to 2 Jan 2026 |
| Gaylord Texan Resort | Lake Grapevine, Texas | Elf | 14 Nov 2025 to 4 Jan 2026 |
| JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa | San Antonio, Texas | Frosty the Snowman | 22 Nov 2025 to 4 Jan 2026 |
| Key Features | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Hand carved ice scenes | More than 10 immersive themed zones, two storey slides and photo spots |
| Additional festive programming | Ice tubing, scavenger hunts, cirque performances, themed dining, Santa meet and greets (varies by resort) |
| Craftsmanship | Inspired by Harbin Ice Festival, created by 40 artisans over nearly one month per 20,000 square foot installation |
| Resort perks | Overnight guests get exclusive benefits such as Chill Pass for priority access |
The Ritz-Carlton x Late Checkout Collaboration
The Ritz Carlton and Late Checkout Unveil Chapter Two of Their Award Winning Collaboration Source The Ritz Carlton
The Ritz Carlton and Madrid based fashion label Late Checkout return with a second collaboration that expands into loungewear, accessories, kids pieces and home items. The collection continues the playful yet polished style that won the first capsule a Cannes Lions Gold, now with a colour palette inspired by The Ritz Carlton’s heritage. Highlights include knits featuring the brand’s iconic lion and velvet Sukajan jackets with bold embroidery, plus travel ready accessories and home comforts.
The campaign film, shot at The Ritz Carlton, Nikko and starring Josh Hutcherson, blends serene landscapes with Late Checkout’s mischievous energy for a cinematic take on a hotel stay.
Global Launch
| Activation | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Global debut | 18 Nov 2025 | Available at 22 Ritz Carlton properties |
| Retail pop up, New York | 20 Nov 2025 | Public pop up then invite only launch event |
| Dubai | 27 Nov 2025 | ‘Very Late Checkout’ stay activation |
| The Ritz Carlton, Abama | 5–7 Dec 2025 | Live music, cocktails and capsule showcase |
| Hôtel de la Paix, Geneva | 10 Dec 2025 | Special event with destination themed moments |
| Asia release | From Dec 2025 | Available at The Ritz Carlton, Bangkok and Tokyo |
| Tokyo lobby lounge | From Dec 2025 | Afternoon tea inspired by the capsule |
| Global experience period | 12 Dec 2025 to 1 Mar 2026 | Breakfast in bed, embroidered robes, keepsake suite keys |
The capsule can be experienced in person at selected hotels or purchased through The Ritz Carlton Boutiques.
Mindful luxury at JW Marriott meets Finnish design with Marimekko collaboration in Greater China
JW Marriott has partnered with Finnish design house Marimekko to bring bold prints and serene luxury together through its “Stay in the Moment” campaign. Nine JW Marriott hotels across Shanghai, Hong Kong, Beijing, Chengdu and Xi’an will introduce Marimekko themed rooms featuring patterned bedding, robes and tea sets, plus an exclusive tote bag for guests. JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai Pudong and JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong will launch collaborative afternoon tea experiences inspired by Marimekko prints. Selected hotels will also offer hands-on creative workshops.
From 6 November 2025 to 9 March 2026, guests can book the “Blissful Stay with Marimekko” package and enjoy colourful, uplifting encounters designed to inspire calm and creativity. A highlight of the partnership is a limited time pop up at Hotung House in Shanghai from 7 to 9 November 2025, featuring installations, a JW café, retail corner and artisanal activities.
Parisian patisserie elegance for the holidays with Ladurée across the US at St. Regis
St Regis Hotels & Resorts is partnering with Ladurée to bring a French twist to its storied holiday traditions across the United States. The historic St Regis Afternoon Tea will be elevated with Ladurée’s signature macarons, bespoke tea blends and festive pâtisserie, expanding beyond its seasonal debut in New York last year. From 5 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, select properties in New York, San Francisco, Bal Harbour, Deer Valley and Washington DC will offer co branded menus and limited edition confections that celebrate the art of gathering in timeless St Regis style.
Each hotel will feature immersive décor inspired by Parisian patisserie, including macaron themed ornaments, velvet ribbons and warm, festive lighting. Guests can also indulge at Ladurée macaron carts, either in the lobby or even slopeside at Deer Valley, picking up sweet treats to enjoy or gift in collectible holiday boxes.
| Hotel | Key Offering |
|---|---|
| St Regis New York | Afternoon Tea with Ladurée and full décor experience |
| St Regis San Francisco | Afternoon Tea and macaron cart |
| St Regis Bal Harbour | Afternoon Tea and macaron cart |
| St Regis Deer Valley | Slopeside macaron cart |
| St Regis Washington DC | Macaron cart under the iconic lobby ceilings |
Aman Winter Escapes in the Americas
Aman invites guests to welcome winter a little differently this year, with serene wellness escapes in New York, epic desert adventures in Utah and sun soaked retreats in the Caribbean. From private spa sanctuaries in Midtown Manhattan to stargazing in remote canyon landscapes and marine adventures off tropical shores, each property offers seasonal experiences designed for renewal, connection and time well spent.
| Property | Seasonal Highlights |
|---|---|
| Aman New York | Signature Spa Houses with private Hammam or Banya rituals, heated pool and wellness technologies including cryotherapy, IV therapy and more, ideal for a year-end reset in the city. |
| Amangiri & Camp Sarika, Utah | Cooler temperatures perfect for desert exploration, via ferrata, guided canyon tours and stargazing. New Six Bedroom Villa opens December for private gatherings. |
| Amanyara, Turks & Caicos | Beachside winter sun with snorkelling, paddle sports and new padel courts. Villas offer private pools, chefs and hosts for tropical festive privacy. |
| Amanera, Dominican Republic | Whale watching season in Samaná Bay, cliffside golf and surfing along Playa Grande’s coastline. Casitas with ocean views and private pools. |
Rediscover Southeast Asia through culture, community and curated hotel experiences with Hilton
South East Asia blends tradition, flavour and creativity like nowhere else, making familiar destinations feel new again. With travellers increasingly returning to places tied to memory and meaning, Hilton highlights how its luxury and lifestyle hotels are helping guests rediscover the region through fresh experiences and deeper cultural connection.
| Destination | Fresh Ways to Explore | Hotel Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Bali | Quiet temple visits, early coastal walks, local immersion in traditional life | Conrad Bali’s bespoke perfume making Olfactory Experience; Umana Bali’s Village Walk into the community |
| Bangkok | Talad Noi street art trails, Bang Krachao cycling and canal tours | Waldorf Astoria Bangkok’s heritage dining; KROMO Bangkok’s art spaces and calm social lounges |
| Singapore | Pulau Ubin nature and heritage tours, Jurong Lake Gardens for slow living | Conrad Singapore Orchard’s cacao workshop and Peranakan cultural experiences; Conrad Singapore Marina Bay’s art and waterfront discovery routes |
| Phu Quoc | Local fishing village experiences, pepper farm visits and hands-on cooking | La Festa Phu Quoc’s Vietnamese coffee workshops led by in-house baristas |