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For many people, the holidays spark images of waking up to snow-covered surroundings, sledding, and drinking cocoa around the fire with loved ones. While nostalgic traditions and winter wonderland settings have long defined the last few weeks of December, it’s certainly not the only way to make seasonal memories.
Ski resorts, alpine chalets, and mountain lodges are enchanting, but have you ever seen halls decked with driftwood and shells, watched Santa arrive on a jet ski, or opened presents while a pod of dolphins frolicked a few yards away? If the answer is no, it might be time to seek out Yuletide cheer with an ocean view.
Our favorite beachfront hotels for the holidays have something for everyone, whether you’re planning a multigenerational vacation with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins or a romantic couples getaway. There are adorable activities like writing letters to Santa and cookie-making for kids, while adults sip sundowners and relish seasonal spa treatments. The whole crew can come together to admire the beautiful decorations, watch classic movies, and sing carols on the sand.
With a mix of sunshine, swimsuit weather, and festive programming, these beach resorts are perfect for the holidays.
Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental, Canouan
If all you want for Christmas is an island escape, head to the Mandarin Oriental, Canouan. Yuletide chasers will enjoy experiences like local Vincentian rum and chocolate tastings, festive afternoon teas, and a Papa Noel family brunch, plus a New Year’s Eve party with a DJ, saxophonists, and beachside fireworks. In between getting your fix of all things merry and bright, catch some rays on the white-sand beaches, try kayaking and windsurfing, do a guided hike to Mount Royal, and search for resident red-footed tortoises. In keeping with the charitable spirit of the season, the Caribbean sanctuary will donate 10 percent of the revenue from stays starting on Nov. 15 to the Canouan Resilience Fund.
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Courtesy of Hilton
Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi puts on a spectacle that would make even the Grinch feel warm and fuzzy. Each season, the five-star property levels up the magic and merriment. This year’s theme celebrates ’60s glamour — expect larger-than-life blue bows and gift boxes and trimmed trees. It’s not just the jaw-dropping visuals that are guaranteed to fill guests with glee, though. The month of December is jam-packed with enchanting events like a tree lighting, family-oriented beach football and volleyball tournaments, Santa’s arrival by parasailing, beach parties, fireworks displays, and a New Year’s Eve gala dinner under the stars.
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puerto Rico
Luxury lovers (especially families) flock to Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve. December is prime time to soak up the sunshine and local culture. Culinary delights include Noche Puertorriqueña (Christmas Eve dinner), with live entertainment and cooking classes to learn how to make some of the island’s most delicious holiday dishes. Look out for festive family-friendly activities, ranging from ornament-making sessions and building gingerbread houses to Santa’s scavenger hunt, classic movie nights under night sky, and singing local Christmas songs. Need a little R&R? Book the apple cinnamon scrub and massage at the spa.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hawaii
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts
The Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea — one of the best resorts in Hawaii for 2024, as voted by T+L readers — brings endless joy to guests regardless of the season, so it’s no surprise the legendary property pulls out all the stops for the holidays. This year, local artist Noah Harders will deck the halls with winter wonderland-inspired floral arrangements complete with billowing clouds of white hydrangeas, gold orbs, and lights. Highlights for kiddos include Santa’s arrival by outrigger canoe on Christmas Eve (just envision the excitement on their faces when Saint Nick paddles his way through the waves) and cookie decorating. Those sticking around a little longer get to ring in 2025 at the New Year’s Eve party with live music and a dazzling fireworks display at midnight.
Rosewood Baha Mar, Bahamas
Courtesy of Rosewood Baha Mar
When December rolls in, Rosewood Baha Mar transforms into a holly-jolly haven that blends beachfront beauty, eye-catching decorations, and family-friendly programming. There’s an outdoor screening of “The Night Before Christmas” on Dec. 22 and a menorah lighting for Hanukkah. On Christmas Eve, guests are invited to gather for caroling, followed by festive storytelling for families at the Rosewood Explorers Club. The next morning, Santa makes his grand entrance on the beach. Between events, Junkanoo dance classes immerse visitors in Bahamian holiday traditions. And because it’s better to give than to receive, the resort encourages guests to pack essential supplies to donate to children in Nassau.
InterContinental Phuket Resort, Thailand
Courtesy of IHG
It’s well worth hopping on a long-haul flight (or two) to reach the InterContinental Phuket Resort, tucked between the jungle and ocean on one of Thailand’s most famous islands. The property treats guests to a mega dose of seasonal magic. Twinkling lights, a shimmering Christmas tree, and gleaming decorations set the merry mood. The seven bars and restaurants serve up festive fare, from the southern Thai Christmas Eve tasting menu at Jaras to the indulgent tropical-style beachfront dinner that ends with fireworks at midnight to ring in the new year. At the Planet Trekker kids club, it’s all about crafts (think: Christmas trees and handmade wrapping paper), which make the perfect presents for loved ones.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, Florida
Courtesy of Ritz Carlton, Naples
One of the best family-friendly beach resorts in the U.S., The Ritz-Carlton, Naples rolls out the red (and green) carpet for sunseekers of all ages. Seasonal cheer comes in many forms. Of course, the halls are decked and the trees trimmed, but it’s the heartwarming holiday happenings that really take the jubilation up a notch. The unveiling of the life-size gingerbread house is a beloved annual activity (it’s also a brilliant backdrop for Christmas cards and frame-worthy photos to gift loved ones back home). Families can create sweet memories by decorating mini gingerbread masterpieces together. The whimsical Teddy Bear Tea features tasty kid-approved treats, festive decor, and joyful music. Guests have access to all the festivities at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, too — notably the special holiday market and ice-skating rink among the palm trees.
Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Courtesy of Madinat Jumeirah
Travelers looking for an over-the-top holiday vacation should board a flight bound for the City of Gold. Dubai does the most all the time — and, unsurprisingly, the holidays are no exception. Perched on 1.2 miles of prime beachfront real estate, Madinat Jumeirah boasts a massive amount of merriment. The festooned resort decks the halls (and lobbies) with nearly 200 Christmas trees and 400,000 twinkling lights. During the month of December, Fort Island also gets a winter wonderland makeover courtesy of a snow park, a Ferris wheel, a Venetian carousel, a mini train, bungee jumping, shops just for kids, live music, festive food and beverage huts, and wooden abra boat rides with Santa and his elves.
Eden Roc Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Courtesy of Eden Roc at Cap Cana
A playground of white sand, crystal water, and lush landscaping, Eden Roc Cap Cana, the only Relais & Châteaux property in the Dominican Republic, goes all out for families during the festive period. Kiddos will have a blast designing Christmas cards, going on treasure hunts, performing in the talent show, and visiting with Santa on Christmas Day. While little ones are entertained, grown-ups can sip on something refreshing at the tequila and Champagne tastings and sunset happy hours or get a jump start on New Year’s wellness resolutions with daily fitness classes and revitalizing spa rituals. The Christmas Eve social, classic holiday movie nights, and themed dinners bring the whole crew together.
Eteréo, Auberge Resorts Collection, Mexico
Courtesy of Auberge Resorts Collection
Situated along the Riviera Maya Eteréo, Auberge Resorts Collection provides sandy beaches and plenty of palm-fringed holiday wonder. This year, the resort will partner with renowned Mexican design studio Mestiz to amp up the seasonal spirit through immersive installations and decor with a vibrant, artsy twist. Visitors in need of a sunbathing break have the opportunity to join in festive events such as the Christmas Eve dinner inspired by regional recipes, an oceanfront breakfast with a surprise visit from residents of the North Pole, a seasonal candle workshop, a Christmas card sketching, and more. Need some last-minute gifts? Shop Mercado del Solsticio featuring Mexican designers and artisans such as La Troupe, Frailes Atelier, By James, and Xhsula (Dec. 20 to 22).
Cheval Blanc St-Barth
Courtesy of Cheval Blanc.
Cheval Blanc St-Barth shines oh-so bright around the holidays. Besides its picture-perfect beachfront setting enhanced by sophisticated decorations, the legendary St. Barts resort offers plenty of seasonal upgrades. Between Dec. 24 and Jan. 6, White Bar hosts live jazz music and pours creative cocktails. There are gourmet Christmas Eve and New Year’s dinners prepared by chef Jean Imbert. The latter culminates with a fireworks show at midnight. The following day, chef Antony Clemot cooks up a celebratory lunch (of course, the booze and bubbly flow). If you’d rather skip the Jan. 1 revelry, the spa awaits for a more serene start to the year.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
Courtesy of St Regis Bahia Beach
Set along the coast, between the El Yunque National Forest and Espíritu Santo River State Preserve, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is a bastion of natural beauty and seasonal spirit. The roster of daily activities gets the festive treatment. Decorate gingerbread houses, snuggle up for themed movie nights under the stars, gather for the nightly menorah lighting during Hanukkah, and roast s’mores by the fire. Festive feasts include Christmas Eve dinner and the New Year’s celebration at the Estate Lawn. After all that fun, plus feeding koi fish and turtles, bird watching, climbing on the playground, and doing seasonal arts and crafts at the Tortuga Kids Club, children will go to bed with more than just visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads.
Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
Courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts
You certainly won’t miss the snow when heading down to Central America’s happiest country in December, especially upon checking into the Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica. A little holiday cheer makes a vacation at one of the best beach resorts in Costa Rica even more magical. The calendar is packed with special events, including a Costa Rican Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) featuring tamales and other Latin dishes, the family-friendly Santa’s Beach Party (rumor has it the Grinch likes to crash the festivities) on Christmas Day, the biannual Papagayo Street Fair on Dec. 26, and the big New Year’s Eve bash at Virador Beach Club. A driftwood tree decorated with twinkling lights in the rotunda is the icing on the cake — ahem, Christmas cookie.
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Grand Cayman
Courtesy of IHG
Jingle all the way to the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa for an island-style holiday full of fun in the sun and jubilant programming. The festive season kicks off on Dec. 17 and runs through Jan. 3. During that time, you’ll find gourmet feasts like the beloved ugly sweater and Christmas Day brunches and a Caribbean Christmas Eve party on the sand. Between swimming at the pool and building sandcastles, tiny travelers will love creating seashell ornaments and decorating cookies at Camp Seafire, the fun zone for children ages five to 12. Add to that the chance to craft family handprint cards and snap complimentary photos with Santa.
Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, Anguilla
Courtesy of Belmond
The holidays are sunny and spirited at Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, on Anguilla. Festive events range from a Christmas feast at Cip’s by Cipriani to a beachside barbecue on Boxing Day to a New Year’s Eve celebration with fireworks over Maundays Bay. Even Scrooge couldn’t pass up a seasonal cocktail-crafting class. Guests looking to dive into more than just the waves can learn about the island’s rich cultural heritage through Johnnycake-making lessons, musical workshops led by a local calypsonian, and costume building. Don’t miss Santa’s arrival on the pristine, white-sand beach on Christmas Day and the Anguilla Craft Market on Dec. 28.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
Courtesy of IHG
Few places spread cheer quite like the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. The team at this private island oasis breaks out all the festive trappings, bringing some holiday magic to the tropics. Ballet performances, fire shows, illusions, a tree lighting, Santa’s arrival, Christmas dinner, and the elements-themed New Year’s Eve party are just a few of the many jolly happenings. The fun doesn’t stop and end with special events. Enchanting decorations and kid-approved activities like themed crafts, pool Olympics, and pirate treasure hunts sweeten the deal.
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