Celebrate Christmas with HIP Hotels this 2022
Discover
Tis the season to be jolly and this Christmas some of our favourite HIP hotels will be decking their own halls in a very special way. From gala dinners to festive city lights, we’ve got everything on your Christmas wish-list covered, and so much more.
Hotel de Russie
Designed by Roman architect Giuseppe Valadier, between 1816 and 1818, the magnificent Hotel de Russie is surely one of the finest places to spend Christmas. Dubbed “paradise on earth” by French poet Jean Cocteau, this Italian institution is set between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, and also home to Le Jardin de Russie, one of the most romantic secret garden restaurants’ in all of Rome. So for Christmas this spectacular hotel is pulling out all the stops to create a winter fairytale just for you. Discover la dolce vita as you take a gastronomic journey of local flavours. Dine in the secret winter garden, immersed in the beautiful wintery backdrop; sip on sparkling botanical cocktails and do it all at the city’s most enchanting hotel. There are also 86 beautifully appointed rooms, along with 34 luxurious suites to choose from. If you’re on Santa’s good list, you might just be in luck this year! And if you need to slip away, head to the De Russie Spa for the chance to unwind. The hotel’s chic Stravinskij Bar also happens to be the local watering hole for Rome’s celebrity and glitterati. Are you ready?
Cowley Manor
Gloucestershire, United Kingdom
Ahhhh Cowley Manor. The glorious award-winning manor set within the magnificent Cotswolds. An area of outstanding natural beauty, and home to the quintessential chocolate-box village of Cowley, can now be the setting for your very own magical Christmas. This chic and quirky hotel is offering guests the opportunity to host their very own private event at the property, or spend three glorious festive days with all of the fun and none of the work. Think frosty mornings, roaring open fires and the most sumptuous interiors, accompanied by the warmest hospitality the country has to offer. With no expense spared this is luxe pampering all the way. From champagne afternoon teas to decadent dinners and all the bliss-inducing treatments at their C-Side Spa. Voted the best in the UK, you’ll be floating off in an aromatic cloud quicker than you can say ho ho ho.
The three-night Christmas package gives you your choice of room. Pick between a ‘Good Room’, a ‘Great Room’, a ‘Marvellous Room’, or the the crème de la crème of the manor, the absolute favourite ‘Best Room’, occupying almost all of the 1st floor, with a wraparound balcony offering panoramic vistas across the stunning grade II listed gardens. It even has a bathtub for two. Now who said Christmas had to be stressful?
Eala My Lakeside Dream
Want Christmas all wrapped up and ready to go? Eala My Lakeside Dream has the answer for you. Represented by the Celtic swan, Eala is the ultimate symbol of not only elegance, but pure unadulterated love. And if you’re seeking a romantic setting to spend this Christmas with your loved one, look no further. Set beside the stunning shores of Lake Garda, experience Christmas lake-style with a very special festive package. Enjoy three blissful nights in one of their comfortable contemporary rooms; indulge in the phenomenal EALA Luxury Spa, where 1,500 square metres of bliss-inducing treatments, pools, sauna, and Turkish bath are just waiting to soothe your stresses away. And let’s not forget the delectable 4-course Christmas lunch with all the trimmings to savour, at the very swish Alfio Ghezzi Bistrot. Come for the food, stay for the magic. And what’s more, this ultimate lakeside escape is now also a fully zero-emissions hotel. Using the latest geothermal technologies, the Risatti family were able to prove that luxury does not need to come at the expense of our beautiful and precious planet. Now isn’t that cause for celebration?
137 Pillars House | Chiang Mai
What could be grander than a gala Christmas dinner in Chiang Mai’s most exclusive hotel? Originally built around a restored original teak homestead in the late 1800’s, 137 Pillars House is a world of pure opulence. This magnificent residence owes much to its rich colonial heritage and was originally sat on 137 pillars (hence the name). From the reception which floats on water, and the vine-walled emerald pool to the most luxurious décor throughout, every inch of this establishment is pure sophistication. And when you’re also surrounded by the outstanding natural beauty of this magical corner of Chiang Mai, from beautiful waterfalls to mystical mountains, it’s a truly enchanting experience. So this Christmas don your finest threads and get ready to enjoy the festive magic under the stars. There will be a 5-course meal, Christmas carolers, and even a live band. The magic is waiting for you.
Those wanting to keep the party going can choose from any one of their 30 spacious suites, with each one overlooking the tropical gardens. Expect hand-crafted furniture, high ceilings, bespoke furnishings, large en-suite dressing rooms with a walk-in wardrobe and stunning bathrooms with Victorian baths, a subtle nod to their colonial roots. If that’s not enough, The Nitra Serenity Centre offers the most sublime and bliss-inducing treatments, including signature ceremonies, and traditional therapeutic massages, all of which embrace cultural Thai specialties. And, exhale.
Hotel Savoy
There’s something simply magical about Florence but this Christmas, Hotel Savoy is promising you all of the festivities with an even more generous side of sparkle. Watch in wonder as Piazza della Repubblica transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland, under a canopy of a million twinkling lights. And it’s no different at Hotel Savoy where the chefs have been incredibly busy cooking up plenty of mouthwatering seasonal treats. This Renaissance hotel in the heart of romantic Florence is already dressed for the occasion by Laudomia Pucci and Olga Polizzi, with signature prints and Renaissance antiques, all coming together to create a stunning 5 star setting for your Christmas celebrations. Where better to start the festivities than this stylish hotel for your very own Christmas Eve gala dinner. Held at their renowned Irene restaurant this is a feast for all the family. From foie gras to homemade ravioli, turbot to persimmon soup. Served up alongside the best ambient beats, creative cocktails and the very warmest in hospitality.
Sans Souci Wien
Imagine a Christmas designed by Philippe Starck. In Vienna’s 7th district, at the foot of Spittelberg, you’ll find one of Vienna’s most luxurious and chicest hotels. Sans Souci Wien is everything you would expect from this trailblazing designer, and more. From the sumptuously lavish champagne bar to the Zen-haven that is their spa, and said to be Vienna’s finest. There’s even a modern art collection in the hotel, featuring works from Roy Lichtenstein, Allen Jones and Steve Kaufman on display within the public areas and the rooms. This Christmas why not treat yourself to a culinary experience that is sure to be exquisite. The design-led urban sanctuary is serving up the finest in festive cuisine from dinner on Christmas Eve to lunch and dinner on both Christmas and Boxing day. From roasted skrei codfish to baked pumpkin in panko, organic “wiener” schnitzel to prime boiled organic veal, there’s something for everyone, including a dedicated vegetarian menu. Mouths will be watering at the delicious array of goodies on offer, and needless to say the Laurent Perrier champagne bubbles will be flowing. But be quick, reservations are booking up fast. Those tempted to stay will get to experience any one of the 63 individually designed rooms and suites, enrobed in elegant furnishings and luxurious design, with hues of purple and lilac emanating throughout the hotel, from the lighting that illuminates the façade by nightfall to the purple chandelier in the reception. You will not be disappointed.
Lisbon Heritage Hotels
Lisbon is currently trending as one of Europe’s HIP-est cities, and where better to spend Christmas than in Portugal’s stunning capital. This culturally rich city already has all the trappings of a magical stay but come Christmas it also plays host to the tallest Christmas tree in Europe. Standing exceptionally tall at 76 metres high, this festive green was also in the Guinness Book of World Records for quite some time. Descend upon this incredible city which will be illuminated by millions of twinkling lights. Wander through the Christmas markets, including the famous ‘Wonderland’ located in Eduardo VII Park in the city centre; peruse cosy wooden stalls, and sample scrumptious Portuguese festive fare. One of the highlights is a ride on the Ferris wheel which enjoys 360 degree views of the city in heated cabins. There’s even an ice rink where you can twirl and swirl in the magical Christmas village.
The Lisbon Heritage Hotels have five sensational hotels to choose from for your stay – As Janelas Verdes, Heritage Avenida Liberdade, Hotel Britania, Hotel Lisboa Plaza and Solar do Castelo. Each of these charming hotels bring together the best of the old world with the new, all of which are set within historic homes and buildings within the city centre. This Christmas make sure you stop into any one of these incredible properties and treat yourself to afternoon tea and a complementary slice of traditional Portuguese Christmas cake, otherwise known as Bolo Rei. And a very merry Christmas to you too.
Venissa Wine Resort
Set in a charming old manor house, within its own walled vineyard on the island of Mazzorbo, sits a Michelin-starred wine retreat like no other. Considered one of the best-kept secrets in real Venice, Mazzorbo sees fewer visitors than its sister island, Burano. So this Christmas why not get away from the crowds and head to this little piece of paradise. Surrounded by two hectares of exquisite gardens this is the only vineyard in the world to produce the indigenous dorona di Venezia grape variety which has thankfully since been recovered and thrives in the local area. This Christmas, savour the finest à la carte seasonal food menu, offering lagoon-inspired cuisine. Venissa will be celebrating from Christmas Eve through to Boxing Day and for those that would like to experience this unique property to the max, we highly recommend a stay. With only six charming rooms, Venissa couldn’t be more intimate or exclusive. What are you waiting for?
Bomans Hotell
If you’re in the mood for a rock n’ roll Christmas, head straight to the quirky Swedish bolthole, Bomans Hotell, where, as the saying goes - ‘More is more – less is a bore’ and we couldn’t agree more. Set in Trosa, just an hour south of Stockholm, Bomans serves up a deliciously eclectic mix of animal print, oversized artwork and super cool furnishings; nothing inside this hotel is toned down. This unique venue is showcasing Christmas music by Swedish singers Petja Svensson and Emil Lundqvist in their seriously sexy Twin Bar. Do the sensible thing and escape the last minute shoppers for a tipple and treat your ears to a magnificent feast too. Had one too many? No problem, just check in for a night or two and match your room with your mood. From ‘Black as sin’ and ‘La Dolce Vita’ to the pared-down ‘Nude’, there’s something for everyone. Rock n’ roll types might enjoy ‘The Glimmer Suite’, dedicated to Keith Richards, where vinyl, Jack Daniels on ice and a tub in your room all come as standard. If you’re feeling fragile and in desperate need of a little R n’ R, make a beeline for their “red cabin.” Dedicated to wellness with a sauna and outdoor hot tub this relaxing sanctuary can also be rented privately by the hour. Can you think of a better place to unwind with a glass of festive Brännvin? We didn’t think so. Rumour has it that the bar is named after owner Kristin’s father and his identical twin, Harry. What’s her father’s name? Santa. You might want to be extra nice if you’re heading their way… just saying. Skål!
