The picture-perfect winter holiday celebration differs for everyone. For me, the perfect Christmas holiday includes generous displays of fairy lights, scents of cinnamon and mulled wine wafting past, and either unseasonable amounts of sunshine reflecting off sparkling pine trees or bucket loads of snow so that Santa’s sleigh can make the perfect landing.
Beachside cabanas, sunsets, and starlit nights are always memorable, but they’re magical during the festive season. The same can be said of cozy interiors with expansive views of the mountains. The chance to meet Santa at Christmas is also essential to complete family festive cheer.
We have picked the best Four Seasons to visit for a spellbinding festive season. Some of these hotels also have epic New Year’s Eve parties to bring in the new year.
It’s worth noting that there is no Four Seasons rewards program. However, you can take advantage of loyalty style benefits at Four Seasons hotels for no extra cost by booking your next stay via our luxury travel concierge.
1. Four Seasons Whistler
If you fancy some snow for Christmas, look no further than Four Seasons Whistler. I can’t think of a village or a hotel that is more beautifully decorated for the festive season. Whistler Village looks like it has been sprayed with fairy lights that glisten off the fresh Canadian snow.
Nestled in North America’s largest ski resort, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler, the best luxury hotel in Whistler, is filled with glittering golden hues and picture-perfect moments in the festive season.
From captivating décor that radiates the spirit of the season to a curated array of activities designed to evoke a sense of togetherness, this hotel’s Christmas festivities promise a heartwarming experience that will create lasting memories against the backdrop of a snow-kissed wonderland.
Warmth meets innovation as the Braidwood Tavern bar team introduces the Fire & Ice cocktail program, redefining après ski indulgence. The Old-Fashioned cocktail menu, meticulously curated to infuse every sip with comforting radiance, sets the stage for vibrant evenings.
Guests can discover the intimate allure of The Library, the popup lobby bar opening in December 2023, inviting guests to unwind and bask in the company of cherished loved ones.
Decadent hot chocolate stations are dotted around the resort, bringing joy to all ages, while insider secrets are divulged by the Resort’s Ambassadors during Wine Hour, giving visitors a glimpse into mountain living.
Following a refurbishment, the Resort’s Spa is reopening in December 2023, promising an unparalleled experience for those seeking relaxation, wellness, and bliss. Whether looking for an adventure in the rugged outdoors with complimentary snowshoeing tours or a tranquil escape with signature mountain-inspired treatments, the team invites guests to embark on an unforgettable journey of wellness and discovery.
Guests can also engage in a classic Canadian tradition with the Maple Man, transforming pure maple syrup into a delicious masterpiece: maple taffy. The courtyard will be brimming with holiday cheer as visitors are invited to delight in the picturesque Vintage Camper. This darling tradition offers complimentary s’mores for roasting by the fire under twinkling string lights.
The resort will start the countdown towards the holidays with an assortment of complimentary events and activities. From making one’s own Christmas card to the whimsical kids club Expedition North Pole, marshmallow-snowman making, children’s stories by the fire, and a visit from Santa Claus himself – the spirit of the season resonates throughout every corner of the resort.
2. Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole
Delight in time spent together on and off the slopes, with an array of activities for the entire family. Let the wonder of Jackson Hole inspire your most memorable holiday yet.
Ice-skate with Santa on Teton Village’s ice-skating rink. Skate rentals are available, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Treat the family to a night of skating under the Wyoming winter sky.
Indulge in an elevated après experience after a day on the slopes and head to Ascent Lounge at Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole to enjoy panoramic views of America’s most rugged peaks, all while sipping on a Backcountry Old Fashioned for a taste of Wyoming’s finest local whiskey.
Guests meet up under the tram on December 24 for Santa’s arrival to welcome the holiday season. Be sure to bring your letters to Santa to drop in the special mailbox waiting just for him.
Here, you can also celebrate a family-friendly New Year’s Eve tradition with the Torchlight Parade, followed by fireworks, at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole.
3. Four Seasons Megeve
As the first snow of the season begins to paint the Alps silver, experience the magic of the Christmas season at Four Seasons Megève, one of the best Four Seasons ski hotels, which opens its doors for the winter season mid-December. Indulgent festive offerings, including culinary experiences and family-friendly activities, bring Christmas cheer.
Boasting a glorious alpine setting, Megève is an unmissable winter destination, offering myriad winter sports activities, from traditional downhill skiing and snowshoeing along silent panoramic trails to enjoying a thrilling 3,000-metre-long (9,800 foot) toboggan ride through the heart of the Megève forest.
With a strong Rothschild family heritage, the village of Megève has retained its authentic character, with charming, cobbled lanes dotted with fine delis and shops selling local crafts. Guests can enjoy a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the heart of the village, soaking up the festive ambiance and admiring the majestic Christmas tree that sits in the central square.
Located by the entrance of Four Seasons Hotel Megève, the Cry ski lift provides direct access to the resort’s famous Mandarines piste, making this the only ski-in, ski-out hotel in Megève. Skis strapped on, guests can enjoy a thrilling skiing experience in Megève’s ski area, with 400 kilometers (250 miles) of slopes offering a wide variety of runs, from gentle slopes meandering through shaded woodland to wide trails across mountain farms.
4. Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva
At this time of year, the Hotel takes on a magical appearance, with elaborate Christmas decorations adorning the interiors. Pine garlands and ribbons decorate banisters and mantelpieces while a gorgeous pine tree stands majestically at the entrance, its branches styled with red ribbons and adorned with hand-painted glass baubles.
Indulge in a traditional fondue or raclette at Le Chalet des Etoiles, a Christmas Popup exuding a cozy alpine atmosphere decorated with twinkling lights and vintage skis located on the panoramic rooftop of Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva.
From the beginning of December 2023 to early January 2024, children will be welcomed with a Christmas Treasure Hunt booklet upon arrival, packed with exciting quizzes, riddles and scavenger hunts that propel the children into a festive adventure. At turndown, children will discover delightful Christmas bedtime stories waiting for them on their beds.
Santa Claus will visit the Hotel on Christmas Eve, reading stories and offering gifts to children in Salon Dufour. Little ones will also have the opportunity to take a Polaroid photo with Santa Claus himself, receiving the memento instantly.
Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva is conveniently located steps away from Geneva Old Town, where cobbled streets and snow-dusted squares are filled with restaurants, boutiques and independent shops. Why not combine a stay here with the snowy mountains surrounding Four Seasons Megeve, less than 2 hours drive away?
5. Four Seasons Nevis
With the holidays fast approaching, Four Seasons Resort Nevis, one of the best Four Seasons in the Caribbean, pulls out all the stops in the festive season, rolling out a wide variety of celebratory programming that spans the resort’s 350-acre (140-hectare) playground.
Greeted by blue skies, crystal clear waters, the majestic Nevis Peak, and warm, welcoming smiles, guests will feel the spirit of the season from the moment they arrive at the resort’s private pier. And the fun only continues from there, with activities incorporating Nevisian traditions, such as lantern releases, golf, tennis, and pickleball tournaments, holiday-themed cooking and baking classes, yoga and meditation sessions, and much more.
When it comes to celebrating the season, it’s all about ensuring the kids have fun while creating lasting memories. The Kids for All Seasons club gives little ones their own place to play, offering an abundance of indoor and outdoor activities, including sandman-building competitions on the beach, movie nights under the stars with s’mores and face painting, and creative cooking, baking or mocktail-making classes. The kids will be so busy having fun that the parents won’t be able to pull them away from all the activities.
The holiday festivities would only be complete with a visit from Old Saint Nick. Kids and kids at heart will be filled with wonder as they await Santa’s arrival on Christmas morning. Listen for the cheers and sounds as he and Mrs. Claus make their way around the resort, bringing presents and treats for everyone.
Guests will also enjoy nightly entertainment by local bands as they sing and dance the night away. And on New Year’s Eve, guests and Resort staff alike will come together to ring in 2023 on Pinney’s Beach, where partygoers will celebrate with their toes in the sand, Champagne toasts, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display.
6. Four Seasons Resort Langkawi
Begin festive celebrations island-style with a late breakfast and a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and his elves on the beach, followed by an evening spent exploring the festive night market featuring famous “streets” from across Asia during a stay at Four Seasons Resort Langkawi.
For a beachfront private dining experience for all festive occasions, choose from a beachfront cabana or a starlit patio, themed dinners from Mexican to Lobster, or a Family Beach Barbecue Night.
Four Seasons Langkawi is one of the cheapest Four Seasons and is a brilliant choice if you would like a great Four Seasons beach resort.
7. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
At Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Santa plans to make a splash as he navigates the Ayung River before offering holiday greetings and treats for children at the Pici-Pici Kids Club.
Early in the day, a magician will gather all the children (big kids are welcome, too) at Jati Bar for a magic show before leading them down to Riverside Cafe to see Santa arrive on the banks of the Ayung River. The fun
continues at Pici Pici Kids Club with festive sweets and gifts and a photographer to take photos with Santa.
See in the New Year in an unforgettable location, on the rooftop high above the forest, with live music counting us down into a fireworks show to welcome 2017. Enjoy a complimentary cheese selection, bonbons, and other goodies. Beverages are also available for purchase with a wide selection of Port, Cognac, Premium Spirits and cigars.
8. Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire
Venture to Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire (pictured above) to experience Christmas decorations and their Off Piste, a Swiss-inspired popup winter concept restaurant.
Enjoy a specially crafted menu by Executive Chef Talha Barkin featuring a delicious mix of Swiss cuisine, seasonal meats, vegetable charcuterie boards, and a classic cheese fondue complete with truffle shavings.
Last year, Santa arrived on the frosty lawns by Helicopter, and the kids club arranged lots of festive activities for the family. Add in Sharky’s Reef, which is a brilliant and tropically warm kid’s pool with water features, sprayers, and a big slide, as well as a beautiful adult pool, and you have a recipe for Christmas happiness.
We particularly love the views here over Downton Abby-style rolling frosty, and sometimes snowy, British hillsides.
9. Four Seasons Hotel Austin
Experience Texas-sized décor at Four Seasons Hotel Austin, where life-sized polar bears, electric guitars, and a 30-foot (9 meter) Christmas tree reside on the back lawn throughout the winter months.
Indoors, a grand gingerbread display will be on display in the lobby for everyone to enjoy. With past gingerbread creations, including a replica of the city and a full-sized Airstream trailer made entirely of gingerbread and pastry elements, visitors can look forward to this year’s festive creation.
10. Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
Step into the holiday warmth at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, where the lobby and marble courtyard are punctuated with intricate festive decorations. With a month-long celebration throughout December filled with live music and artistic performances, this hotel is the perfect setting for a holiday dinner at the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Cinq or an elegant afternoon tea celebration at La Galerie.
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing but may be amended at discretion of the vendor. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.
