Cover Most luxurious resorts to visit for a tropical Christmas (Photo: Facebook / The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas, Bali)
Most luxurious resorts to visit for a tropical Christmas (Photo: Facebook / The Mulia, Mulia Resort & Villas, Bali)
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Celebrate the holiday season with your loved ones while basking in the warm sunshine at these luxurious resorts
While many of us tend to favour year-end holidays in colder countries in hopes of a white Christmas, vacationing in a tropical paradise offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional Hallmark Christmas. Imagine lounging on a white, sandy beach with the sun warming your skin, surrounded by loved ones on Christmas Day.
If you’re looking to replace snowflakes and frost with sun-kissed beaches and swaying palm trees, here are some of the most luxurious resorts to be at this festive season.
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137 Pillars House Chiang Mai, Thailand
Above 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai offers a sense of old-world Asian glamour (Photo: 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai)
137 Pillars House Chiang Mai offers a sense of old-world Asian glamour (Photo: 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai)
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This boutique property in Chiang Mai’s historic, artsy Wat Gate neighbourhood offers a sense of old-world Asian glamour that is hard to match. Originally built in the 1880s as part of the East Borneo Company headquarters, the lovingly restored teak wood building features just 30 generously sized suites. Guests may opt for a ground-floor Pool Suite for a private plunge pool, or admire the striking 25-metre lap pool dominated by a soaring vertical plant wall. Beyond the luxurious grounds, the heritage is fascinating: the property was once owned by Louis Leonowens, the son of Anna, of Anna and the King fame. Dining is a refined affair at The Dining Room, which serves elevated Lanna and Thai cuisine in a charming, shaded wooden house.
Amanpulo, Philippines
Above Amanpulo’s 42 casitas and 18 villas honour indigenous bahay kubo dwellings, featuring timber frames and thatched roofing (Photo: Amanpulo)
Amanpulo’s 42 casitas and 18 villas honour indigenous bahay kubo dwellings, featuring timber frames and thatched roofing (Photo: Amanpulo)
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Amanpulo remains the perennial standard for a tropical Christmas, appealing to those who understand that true luxury lies in effortless hospitality. Accessible exclusively by private aircraft, this retreat on Pamalican Island, northern Palawan, has set itself apart for over 30 years with its unrivalled exclusivity. The 42 casitas and 18 villas honour indigenous bahay kubo dwellings, featuring timber frames and thatched roofing, with their rustic island styling elevated by the signature Aman touch. Guests are encouraged to simply "go with the flow," whether joining daily snorkelling expeditions to spot resident sea turtles or delighting in the resort's fresh, locally sourced cuisine.
Como Laucala Island, Fiji
Above Como Laucala Island, Fiji, is an exceptional private island offering a truly singular proposition (Photo: Como Laucala Island)
Como Laucala Island, Fiji, is an exceptional private island offering a truly singular proposition (Photo: Como Laucala Island)
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For those seeking definitive solitude this Christmas, Como Laucala Island, Fiji, is an exceptional private island offering a truly singular proposition. This 3,500-acre sanctuary features just 25 stand-alone villas, each appointed with a private pool and dedicated 'Tau' butler to ensure absolute privacy. The comprehensive all-inclusive model is sustained by an impressive 240-acre organic farm, supplying its five restaurants and creating a holistic estate experience. Amenities—including a championship 18-hole golf course and the striking main pool housed within a 25-metre glass cube—provide sophisticated, guilt-free indulgence, rarely replicated.
The Mulia, Nusa Dua, Bali
Above This festive season, Mulia Bali is offering a selection of dining experiences to get you in a joyous mood (Photo: The Mulia, Nusa Dua, Bali)
This festive season, Mulia Bali is offering a selection of dining experiences to get you in a joyous mood (Photo: The Mulia, Nusa Dua, Bali)
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This festive season, Mulia Bali is offering a selection of dining experiences to get you in a joyous mood. Visit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and savour holiday menus inspired by global culinary traditions across the property’s signature restaurants—head to Soleil for Mediterranean and Pan-Asian fare or visit Cascade Lounge for a decadent Christmas Afternoon Tea spread. The joyous ambience is elevated with live carol performances happening over both days.
Niyama Private Islands, Maldives
Above Niyama Private Islands Maldives has turned into a tropical wonderland (Photo: Niyama Private Islands Maldives)
Niyama Private Islands Maldives has turned into a tropical wonderland (Photo: Niyama Private Islands Maldives)
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Niyama Private Islands Maldives has turned into a tropical wonderland with its Christmas market complete with a ubiquitous sparkly tree. Visit on Christmas Eve and get into the joyous spirit with a fiery feast at Dune, featuring turkey, lobster and oysters beautifully roasted over fire until smoky and aromatic. On Christmas Day itself, look out for Santa arriving on a jet ski bearing gifts before tucking into a six-course menu six metres under the ocean’s surface at Subsix.
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Rosewood Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Above Immerse yourself in the festivities at Rosewood Phnom Penh (Photo: Rosewood Phnom Penh)
Immerse yourself in the festivities at Rosewood Phnom Penh (Photo: Rosewood Phnom Penh)
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Immerse yourself in the festivities at Rosewood Phnom Penh. Step in and find its lobby transformed for the season, adorned with beautiful festive decor. Visit Brasserie Louis and dig into a festive French spread or bring the little ones to The Living Room for a gingerbread house decorating experience. Festivities extend to the hotel’s adjoining Vattanac Capital Mall which will feature exclusive pop-ups and a selection of thoughtfully curated gifts. Extend your stay until the New Year and ring in the new year while overlooking stunning views of the city at the hotel’s bar Sora.
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Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Above There’s plenty to look forward to when you visit Song Saa Private Island this festive season (Photo: Song Saa Private Island)
There’s plenty to look forward to when you visit Song Saa Private Island this festive season (Photo: Song Saa Private Island)
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There’s plenty to look forward to when you visit Song Saa Private Island this festive season. Visit on Christmas Eve and savour beautifully crafted cocktails alongside tantalising canapés while enjoying the harmonious melodies of a local band. Then dig into gorgeously barbecued plates at the Beachside BBQ Extravaganza. On Christmas Day itself, start the day with a rejuvenating yoga session along the pool before embarking on festive beach activities including a visit from Santa.
JW Marriott Hotels & Suites Saigon, Vietnam
Above Joining in on the festivities is JW Marriott Hotels & Suites Saigon (Photo: JW Marriott Hotels & Suites Saigon)
Joining in on the festivities is JW Marriott Hotels & Suites Saigon (Photo: JW Marriott Hotels & Suites Saigon)
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Joining in on the festivities is JW Marriott Hotels & Suites Saigon. The property turns into a Christmas wonderland with beautiful lights, Christmas trees and festive decorations dotted around various areas. The joyous atmosphere is elevated with its latest festive market offering artisanal chocolates, freshly baked cookies and more. Visit Market 39 on Christmas Eve and dig into an extensive spread of Christmas classics. While savouring mouthwatering plates, enjoy the live music before capturing memories at the Photo Booth. Little ones can also look out for Santa as he comes bearing gifts on Christmas Day.
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