If the thought of sitting at home while the nights draw in this winter doesn’t quite appeal to you and you feel the need to seek out a little winter sun or city trip on either home soil or abroad, then we have you covered.
From Ibiza to Tuscany and London to New York, we have shortlisted eight trips you can take to celebrate the festive season, or simply to get away from it all. What are you waiting for? Read on to be inspired and see if you can resist one of these top hotels.
Six Senses Ibiza, Cala Xarraca Bay in Ibiza – Open until 10th January
Six Senses Ibiza is the perfect alternative retreat for holidaymakers this winter. It is said that Ibiza works in the summer and rests in the winter, making the cool season a fabulous time to visit the island. Holiday makers can enjoy the temperate climate – with an average daytime temperature of 15°C and up to 25°C once the sun comes out.
Having only opened in July this year, Six Senses Ibiza is one of the world’s most discerning destinations for today’s generation of creatives and culture seekers; the light and laid-back, natural way of life during the cool season is set to have travellers coming back for more. The resort has one of the best wellness offerings that the Beleric island has to offer, enabling guests to retreat into a secluded paradise and truly switch off from the outside world. Situated on the north coast of Ibiza, a stay at Six Senses also promises endless possibilities for hiking, sailing and relaxing beyond the spa.
The Reykjavik EDITION, Reykjavik in Iceland
The Reykjavik EDITION sits in one of the world’s most sustainable capitals. Located in the historical, scenic heart of downtown Reykjavik by Old Harbor port, the hotel is just steps away from Laugavegur Street, the city’s vibrant shopping district, and the Harpa Concert and Conference Center. The hotel is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the wonders of the region, with the renowned Blue Lagoon within driving distance and the Northern Lights visible in the city during the winter solstice.
Ian Schrager Company has collaborated with architects T.arch and designers Roman & Williams to introduce EDITION Hotels to Iceland. Poised to offer 253 guestrooms and suites, The Reykjavik EDITION will house spacious meeting and event spaces (502 sqm/5,402 sqft) and a spa. In addition, the hotel is expected to offer guests and locals a diverse culinary offering with a signature restaurant, destination bar and a café.
Christmas at The London EDITION, Fitzrovia, London in the UK
This festive season head to The London EDITION to celebrate the merriment with those closest to you. Located in Central London’s Fitzrovia, the London EDITION offers a dynamic social hub where guests and visitors can relax, socialise and dine all under one roof. With the Christmas tree at its centre, the hotel’s Lobby Bar is the perfect festive destination this winter, featuring a roaring fire, billiards table and intimate seating areas with tufted sofas to gather on.
One of the most spectacular dining rooms in London, this winter Berners Tavern at The London EDITION will also be unveiling its seasonal offerings. Beneath the grand chandeliers, guests may celebrate the festivities with the award-winning restaurant’s Christmas Feast menu, under the direction of executive chef Jason Atherton. Served family style, guests may expect the best produce of the British Isles, including the Buccleuch Estate beef Wellington, as well as Christmas pudding Baked Alaska to be enjoyed for the Yuletide season.
NYE at Villa Lena, Tuscany in Italy
Villa Lena, the popular artist retreat and agriturismo in rural Tuscany, is delighted to announce that they will be re-opening for one week this December to celebrate the new year. Welcoming guests back to the villa from the 28th December 2021 until the 5th January 2022, there will be a full programme of activities, including authentic truffle experiences, creative workshops and nature walks, as well as a gastronomic feast and entertainment for New Year’s Eve.
During this unique seasonal experience, guests are invited to stay with Villa Lena’s creative family celebrating local Tuscan history, culture and food within an environment that offers friends and families the chance to disconnect from daily life and indulge in rest and relaxation in the Tuscan countryside over the new year.
Desa Potato Head, Seminyak in Bali
The long-awaited border reopening of Bali is almost here, with the island soon set to welcome international tourists. Where recent restrictions have left eager travellers thirsty for experience, Desa Potato Head fills this void. Situated on the sand and surf of Petitenget Beach, Seminyak, Bali, the property comprises Potato Head Beach Club and Potato Head Studios – a 168-room hotel designed by David Gianotten and the OMA team. Offering more than just a spot of winter sun, Desa Potato Head is an ocean-side creative village where music, art, design, food and wellness play together.
Underpinned by a mission to inspire creativity, balance and progress for the future, sustainability, wellness and community connection are integral to the Desa. The destination’s offering is enriched by educational workshops, alongside the Sweet Potato Project – a progressive initiative that helps the local community access naturally produced food.
potatohead.co/seminyak/sleep/potato-head-studios
Four Seasons New York Downtown, New York in the USA
Following the easing of travel restrictions to the US, consider planning a trip to the Four Seasons New York Downtown to enjoy the city during the winter months. Located in the heart of Tribeca, guests are steps away from some of the city’s most authentic neighbourhoods – offering infinite opportunities to explore and perhaps even enjoy some Christmas shopping. To relax, visitors can choose to rejuvenate in the hotel’s globally inspired spa, which offers the ultimate urban wellness sanctuary and escape, or dine at CUT by renowned celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck.
fourseasons.com/newyorkdowntown
Cove – Arne Street, Covent Garden in London
Live independently with your own spacious apartment in the heart of Covent Garden. Choose from one, two and three-bedroom lofts – each with exposed brick walls, expansive kitchens and wooden floors. Then explore the capital, with the best of the West End moments from your doorstep.
Famous for shopping, eating and entertainment, Covent Garden is one of the capital’s most visited districts. It’s packed with big-name brands and independent boutiques, as well as bars, restaurants and galleries. Soho and Chinatown are around the corner, as are Theatreland and the Southbank.
staycove.com/en/london/arne-street-apartments
Eden Locke, Edinburgh in the UK
The first in Scotland and the second property from Locke Hotels, the six storey aparthotel boasts 72 studio rooms and offers generous accommodation ranging from 29sqm to 33sqm. Each room includes a fully-equipped, carefully considered kitchen and living area with Smart TV – all intelligently designed to meet the needs of today’s modern traveller. The property cleverly fuses the comforts and autonomy of residential living with the character, service and amenities of a design-led boutique hotel.
The six storey former townhouse has been transformed, re-energised and restored by leading New York architects Grzywinski+Pons. The meticulously stylish interior seamlessly blends the old and the new, combining the original features of the stunning Georgian listed property, with a dynamic, bold and creative approach.
Guests can also choose to experience Edinburgh’s beauty to the fullest, in one of the aparthotel’s mezzanine suites, with its original floor to ceiling windows that create bright and refreshing rooms, with unparalleled views of Scotland’s capital.
