Words: Lifestyle Editor
World-class skiing at Aspen Snowmass. Photo credit: Brittanie Rockhill
This Christmas, the world transforms into an infinite canvas of wonder, waiting to be painted with the most extraordinary experiences of your life. Beyond the familiar comfort of home, extraordinary destinations beckon with promises of magic, discovery, and moments that will forever illuminate your memory.
A Malaysian Magical Moment: One&Only Desaru Coast
Imagine a Christmas that transcends everything you've ever known—where tropical breezes carry the whispers of ancient traditions, and every moment feels like a personal invitation to adventure. At One&Only Desaru Coast, the holiday season becomes a vibrant tapestry of cultural immersion and pure joy.
Picture yourself under a star-studded Malaysian sky, where the ancient art of Wayang Kulit puppet shows comes to life, telling stories that have been passed down through generations. Your hands will create memories as you delve into gingerbread house decorating, transforming simple ingredients into edible masterpieces. In Batik painting sessions, you'll learn an art form that is both meditative and exhilarating, your brushstrokes telling a story as unique as your journey.
This isn't just a vacation—it's a transformative experience where every activity is a celebration of human creativity, cultural connection, and the pure, unbridled joy of discovering something entirely new. The warmth of Malaysian hospitality wraps around you like a comforting embrace, making this Christmas feel less like a destination and more like a homecoming to a world you never knew existed.
Powder Paradise: Aspen Snowmass Winter Wonderland
For those who hear the mountain's call—who feel their spirit soar with the promise of fresh powder and endless horizons—Aspen Snowmass is more than a destination. It's a winter symphony of adventure, where every slope tells a story and every run is a celebration of human potential.
The brand-new Coney Express lift isn't just a technological marvel; it's your gateway to alpine dreams. As it whisks you up the mountainside, you'll feel the anticipation building—the crisp mountain air filling your lungs, the stunning landscape unfurling beneath you like a pristine white canvas. The X Games and Snow League transform Buttermilk Mountain into a playground of athletic excellence, where world-class athletes push the boundaries of what's possible.
Imagine carving your own path through pristine snow, surrounded by majestic peaks that have witnessed countless stories of human triumph. Each turn is a moment of pure freedom, each descent a testament to your spirit of adventure. This is where holiday magic meets athletic passion, where every moment is an opportunity to redefine your limits and celebrate the pure, unadulterated joy of winter.
Tropical Bliss: Song Saa Private Island
Crowned the #1 Resort in Asia by Condé Nast Traveller, Song Saa Private Island is not just a destination—it's a portal to a world where luxury meets authentic experience, where every moment is crafted with intention and every memory is a treasure.
Picture Christmas Eve as a sensory journey—craft cocktails that tell stories of local ingredients, a beachside barbecue where the flames dance under the tropical sky, and experiences that connect you deeply to the heart of paradise. Chef Bunseng doesn't just prepare food; he creates culinary poetry, each dish a love letter to Cambodian tradition and innovation.
From yoga sessions that align your body and spirit with the rhythm of the island to beach activities that celebrate the pure joy of existence, Song Saa offers more than a holiday—it offers a transformative experience. As the sun sets, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson, you'll understand that this is what true luxury feels like: connection, discovery, and unbridled joy.
Starry Celebrations: Soneva's Winter Magic
At Soneva, the holiday season transcends the ordinary, becoming a grand symphony of extraordinary experiences that challenge, inspire, and rejuvenate. World-renowned chefs like Tim Raue and Carolina Bazán don't just prepare meals—they create culinary journeys that tell stories of tradition, innovation, and passion.
Imagine stargazing with astronomers who don't just point out constellations but weave cosmic narratives that make you feel connected to the universe. Picture receiving coaching from Olympic athletes who share not just techniques, but the philosophy of human potential. Each moment at Soneva is meticulously crafted to elevate your understanding of celebration, learning, and personal growth.
A Cultural Treasure: Mauritius Unveiled
The Residence Mauritius is a living, breathing testament to the beauty of cultural diversity and natural wonder. The Chamarel Waterfall isn't just a scenic spot—it's a powerful reminder of nature's raw, magnificent beauty. The Seven Coloured Earth is more than a geological marvel; it's a canvas that tells the story of our planet's incredible journey.
Wander through Port Louis, where every street corner pulses with historical significance, every market stall tells a story of cultural fusion. Explore the Black River Gorges National Park, where rare bird species and endemic plants create a living, breathing ecosystem that connects you to the profound web of life.
This is a destination that doesn't just welcome you—it transforms you, offering a Christmas experience that is as much about inner discovery as it is about external exploration.
Balinese Festive Brilliance: The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas - Nusa Dua, Bali
The Mulia isn't just a resort—it's a celebration of life, a testament to the art of hospitality, and a promise of memories that will sparkle long after the holiday lights have dimmed. Imagine a New Year's Eve that pulses with energy, where live performances by GNat!on and Stereo Stars create an atmosphere of pure, unbridled joy.
From exquisite dining experiences that showcase the best of international and local cuisines to magical moments designed for families, The Mulia promises a holiday that touches every sense, every emotion.
A World of Possibilities
This Christmas isn't just a holiday. It's an invitation—a challenge to step beyond the familiar, to embrace experiences that will reshape your understanding of celebration, culture, and personal joy.
Your extraordinary Christmas awaits. Where will your heart lead you?