The cosiest festive escapes this Christmas

Few things capture the magic of the winter season like Christmas at The Ritz-Carlton. The former palatial residence takes a prime position on Vienna’s Ringstrasse boulevard, a ten-minute stroll from the snow-globe-perfect Christkindlmarkt on the Rathausplatz, with its vintage merry-go-round and ice-skating trails. Inside, you’re greeted by shimmering chandeliers and an historically protected Neo-classical staircase bedecked in Christmas finery. Rooms are adorned with twinkly Christmas wreaths and trees and, naturally, there are traditional Viennese cookies to indulge in. Come November, the rooftop Perrier-Jouët terrace bar transforms into a winter wonderland – sip mulled wine from your own heated gondolas as you watch the St Stephen’s Cathedral lights, and devour goulash, sweet buchteln pastries and Raclette cheese. Truffle aficionado? Book a table at the hotel’s Pastamara restaurant between 1 and 25 December, where two Michelin-starred chef Ciccio Sultano and chef de cuisine Francesco Milicia have crafted an exceptional Sicilian-inspired white truffle set menu. White Christmas indeed…

High Life says: Children can join the Santa’s Workshop for endless hot chocolate, merry tunes and a dedicated festive craft corner.

Step inside the lobby of this Victorian masterpiece and you’ll find a flurry of orchestrated activity: mulled wine poured gently from The Langham Sleigh Stop, guests attaching bauble tags to the KidsOut Giving Tree and the clatter of plates piled with mince pies and chocolate bonbons. The festivities don’t stop there, of course. There’s mandarin and coconut festive cocktails at Artesian bar, seasonal punch and mini board games at The Wigmore pub, in-room Christmas movie night hampers and whimsical afternoon teas at Palm Court – the Hamleys bear patisserie is a showstopper. Stay from 15 December and you can also visit the Hamleys Grotto, which little ones will love. Sparkling with tinsel, Christmas trees and teddies, the grotto promises games with Santa’s elves, festive sweet treats and a chance for them to meet Father Christmas and leave with a little gift.

High Life says: Stylish rooms act as the perfect respite from bustling Regent’s Street below – make sure to relax at the spa or try your hand at wreath-making or gingerbread house decorating at The Langham’s own in-house cookery school.

From composer Franz Liszt to writer Charles Dickens, Mandarin Oriental Savoy, Zurich has hosted notable guests for almost 190 years. It’s no wonder, though, with its 360° views of the dreamy snow-topped Alps, Lake Zurich and the narrow streets of Altstadt (old town). Located on Zurich’s exclusive Paradeplatz, the city’s most fashionable address, this grand hotel is steps away from the flurry of activity at Bahnhofstrasse Christmas market at Zurich’s Main Station (Hauptbahnhof) – one of Europe’s largest indoor markets. In the rooms and suites, touches of bronze, brass and enamelled lava exude understated luxury, courtesy of Parisian interior designer Tristan Auer. In December, rooms are bedecked in glistening lights and festive decorations (and can be tailored to preference). The Michelin-starred restaurant ORSINI promises seasonal Italian fine-dining, helmed by the acclaimed chef Antonio Guida.

High Life says: Make the most of the Festive Wonders package, which includes a decadent hot chocolate martini in the Savoy Brasserie & Bar, an exclusive Christmas market map and a warming Glühwein-to-go for your exploration of the city, plus a signature box of Christmas cookies.

A lavish Jacobean-style mansion awaits at the end of Fairmont Windsor Park’s grand driveway. Nestled within 40 acres, this country estate has a mosaic-lined spa with own cryotherapy chamber, vitality pool and Japanese foot bath, plus six eateries including Mediterranean Moorish (the burrata and estate-grown baked beetroot salad is divine). Come Christmas, rooms are decorated in golds and reds, mulled wine and Rococo Chocolates are served fireside and there’s plenty of family fun: choose from visiting Santa in his grotto, listening to carol singers, watching a festive puppet show or riding in Toylander mini cars on the green. There’s a family disco that big and little kids will love, cookie decorating and you can even toast marshmallows on the roaring fire. It’s a home away from home.

High Life says: This location is ideal for sightseeing. Visit the 20ft Nordmann fir tree in nearby St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle before strolling through Windsor Great Park to see the glittering trail of lights, immersive soundscapes and installations.

Vibrant and bold, The Reykjavik EDITION is an urban hub of 253 rooms with a line-up of bars, restaurants, a nightclub and a ‘social wellness concept’ – a spa with hydrotherapy pools and a bar serving both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Perched harbourside against glorious mountain views and adjacent to Harpa, the landmark concert hall, the ebony exterior façade features Shou Sugi Ban charred timber as a nod to Iceland’s dramatic lava landscapes, while basalt stone is prominent inside. While not a grand estate, this boutique bolthole is the perfect base for exploring the dramatic surroundings of Reykjavík – with just the right balance of adventure and relaxation. Icelandic decorations inspired by traditional folklore grace the walls and fireplaces, while come Christmas day waterfront restaurant Tides serves a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings overlooking a theatrical open kitchen. Choose from the vegan set menu or Icelandic fish and meat. 

High Life says: Claim a spot in the Scandi-inspired Tides café, which exudes the inviting concept of Scandi hygge. Watch the sun dwindle while you sip a cappuccino and nibble on crowberry scones.

Planning a multi-generation holiday? One&Only Aesthesis in Athens will exceed the expectations of even the most discerning family members. Set along the glamorous Athenian Riviera in Glyfada, the bougainvillea-lined resort feels like an island hideaway, despite being a 30-minute drive from the pinnacle of ancient civilisation. Families can stay in expansive private homes (up to 12 guests) with a private pool, Jacuzzi and indoor-outdoor living, all dotted with festive tinsel and twinkly lights. Christmas feasts are served in your private dining room with the whole family – or in the resort’s three chic restaurants. While the children write letters to Santa and decorate trees and cookies, adults can enjoy Greece’s first ever Guerlain Spa – the French-founded skincare house promises full-body rejuvenation and poolside lounging.

High Life says: Celebrate Christmas the Grecian way by joining the tree-lighting ceremony, which sees an outdoor tree festooned with metallics and twinkling lights. And don’t forget to wander around the festive market at the Agora to pick up an artisanal treasure.