There are many great December getaways to choose from, whether you want to go to New York City to do your Christmas shopping, ski in Europe and go on a tropical getaway. Plan a romantic ski trip to Europe and stay at Badrutt's Palace in St. Moritz with scenic views of Swiss Alps. Or travel to The Fairmont Chateau Whistler in Canada for a trip filled with outdoor activities.
New York City is beautifully decorated in December, featuring a great selection of stores to complete your Christmas shopping. Grand Hyatt New York enjoys a central location near Times Square and Broadway. The New York Palace is just steps from Rockefeller Center, famous for its giant Christmas tree, Saks Fifth Avenue and other shops.
If you are craving warmth and sunny weather, visit Jamaica. Caves Resort is a romantic hotel popular with couples, offering just 12 guest accommodations, private cave dining and a relaxing wellness center. Round Hill Jamaica offers elegant villa suites, a private beach and gourmet dining.
From October through April, the warmer months in New Zealand, Grasmere Lodge offers challenging fly fishing in its eight lakes, four large freestone rivers, and eight streams and creeks. The lodge operates on a catch and release basis. The lakes, rivers, streams and creeks are fished with dry flies and nymphs cast to sighted fish. The Grasmere area is home to both browns and rainbows, averaging around three pounds. Various lakes are also home to Loch Leven, Mackinaw and Splake trout. During certain times of the year, there is salmon fishing. Guide fees start at $NZ 580 (about $380 USD) per day for up to two people, including transport and lunch. The fly fishing season runs from 1 October to 30 April for the rivers, and from the first Saturday in November to 30 April for the lakes. A fishing license is available at the lodge.
Plan a spa trip to the Tasmanian wilderness and spend a few days getting pampered at Waldheim Alpine Spa at the Cradle Mountain Lodge, Australia. Unspoilt nature and scenic views create a soothing ambiance where guests can rest their mind and body. Choose from a number of therapies that utilize Australia's Sodashi skin and body care line. The wellness center also offers specialized treatments that utilize organic herbs, essential oils, honey and seaweed from Tasmania. Couples can enjoy side-by-side treatments in the double treatment room at Waldheim Alpine Spa. There is a relaxing area with a steam room, sauna, large hot-tub and cool plunge pool, and a relaxation lounge where you can rest before or after your treatment.
Try a few of the African-influenced treatments at Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. Exclusive to hotel guests, that wellness center is situated on the top floor of the hotel, overlooking Table Mountain, the city and yacht marina. It utilizes Academie skincare line and offers a range of conventional therapies as well as traditional African treatments. The specialized African Cape Massage uses the circular massage technique and Shea body butter to help you relax. A half hour prior to treatments, a specially prepared package is delivered to the guest's room. The package includes a robe, slippers and a card confirming the treatment booked. There are four therapy rooms, a bath, sauna, steam room, rain and body showers.
Las Vegas is another great place for Christmas shopping, where you can find famous designer items. Caesars Palace is centrally situated in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip and offers The Forum Shops.
Get away to Rome, Italy, and stay either at Aldrovandi Palace or the elegant Hotel de Russie. Visit the city's famous attractions, museums and shops.
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa in Australia is set in the middle of a tropical rainforest, close to awesome scuba diving and snorkeling. You can also stay right on the Great Barrier Reef on Brampton Island which features its own coral reef, fishing, and national park trails.
There are many warm-weather winter spots in Florida, the Caribbean and Hawaii. If you are traveling with kids, Portofino Bay Hotel in Orlando gives you quick access to Universal Theme Parks.
The Landings in St. Lucia has a sandy Caribbean beach, spa and a program for kids. Petit St. Vincent is set on its own private island, complete with sandy beaches and many water-based activities, such as snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing and fishing.
Maui is a popular winter destination because of its warm weather, whale watching, golf, spas and other activities.
Get away to an oceanside spa resort in California. Hotel del Coronado features a beautiful Victorian spa which lets you enjoy an array of relaxing spa treatments on vacation. The hotel's seaside location has attracted vacationers since the 19th century. Travelers looking to rejuvenate their body, mind and spirit can choose from a variety of pampering and rejuvenating treatments.
In addition to classical treatments such as massages, wraps and facials, the Spa at Hotel del Coronado will be offering unique water therapy treatments in hydrotherapy pools. Travelers can choose from spa packages especially designed for individuals, teens, couples, mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, girlfriends and wedding parties. The Spa offers 21 treatment rooms, sanctuary areas, hydrotherapy pools and steam rooms. A private veranda and a pool will provide another great place to relax on vacation.
