Where My Clients are Going for Christmas and New Year’s

Written By Krista Nannery

Isla Secas in Panama

I know it’s only May, but many of my clients have already booked their winter holiday travel. (Some have even booked Spring Break 2026 already too!)

For a lot of families, the time between Christmas and New Year’s is one of the few times that everyone has off.

If you haven’t booked a trip over the festive period yet, fear not…it’s not too late! If you need some help, I’m here for you. Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

First tip: Check flight prices. They can be exorbitant in late December and early January. Don’t rule out connecting flights but make sure you have at least a two hour layover. I like using Google Flights to check out the possibilities. You can do a search to “Anywhere”!

Second tip: Be open-minded on destination. The world is a beautiful place. If you are priced out of the Bahamas, for example, consider Panama.

Here are where my clients plan on staying over the festive period…

🌴 Island + Beach Escapes

🏝 Isla Secas – Panama
A private island eco-reserve in the Gulf of Chiriquí, Isla Secas is ideal for adventurous luxury travelers who want pristine nature, world-class snorkeling, and total seclusion. With just a handful of casitas, it feels like having your own private archipelago.
🌊 December–January is prime whale-watching season!
🎁 Virtuoso perks make this one-of-a-kind hideaway even sweeter — daily breakfast, upgrades, and a generous resort credit.

The beach at Jumby Bay, Antigua

🏝️ Jumby Bay Island – Antigua
An all-inclusive, private island paradise that's ideal for families, friends, or just you and your book under a palm tree. Expect barefoot luxury, warm turquoise water, and special holiday programming for all ages.
🛎️ Insider tip: It books up early. Reach out now if you're even thinking about it.

🌿 Rosewood Mayakoba – Riviera Maya, Mexico
A favorite for good reason. Beautiful suites (including overwater), world-class dining, and incredible kids’ programming make this perfect for both couples and families.
🎄 Think: margaritas by the pool while the kids make piñatas.

🌋 Four Seasons Hualalai – Big Island, Hawaii
Holiday perfection in paradise. Warm service, festive luaus, beachfront luxury, and one of the best kids' clubs around.
🌺 Book early for oceanfront rooms — they sell out fast during Christmas week.

The lovely L’Apogee in Courcheval

❄️ Chic & Snowy

⛷️ L’Apogée Courchevel
Glittering lights, world-class slopes, and the most glamorous après-ski scene in the Alps. Plus Michelin-starred dining and slope-side luxury.
🎁 Perfect for a white Christmas or a posh New Year’s Eve with Champagne and snowflakes.

🏔️ Cervo Mountain Resort – Zermatt, Switzerland
Stylish, sustainable, and perched above the Matterhorn village, Cervo blends Alpine charm with modern design. Picture cozy-chic chalets, après-ski lounges, and a focus on wellness and local cuisine.
🧖‍♀️ Guests can relax in the mountain-view spa after a day on the slopes — or just soak in the scene with mulled wine in hand.
🎁 Virtuoso perks include daily breakfast, upgrades, and a resort credit — great value for Zermatt’s luxury tier.

🎄 Festive Cities with Style

SO/ Paris – Paris
A bold, design-forward hotel set along the Seine with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower. SO/ Paris brings vibrant, playful luxury to the heart of the City of Light. The hotel shines during the holiday season with chic decor, lively atmosphere, and prime access to Parisian holiday festivities. It's the perfect spot for those who want a fashionable stay with a touch of glamour.
🎄 Rates typically start around $600–700/night in December — a great value for this stylish, central location in Paris.
🎁 Virtuoso perks include breakfast, room upgrades (when available), early check-in/late check-out, and a welcome gift to make your holiday stay even more special.

The bar at The Ned, London

The Ned – London
A unique blend of old-world glamour and modern luxury, The Ned is housed in a historic former bank in the heart of the City of London. With its stunning Art Deco interiors, multiple restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect blend of luxury and liveliness for the holidays. During the festive season, The Ned’s iconic spaces come alive with twinkling lights and a festive buzz, making it a chic, yet relaxed, base for your London holiday.
🎄 Rates typically start around $500–550/night during December — an excellent value for such a stylish and central London location.
🎁 Virtuoso perks include daily breakfast, room upgrade (subject to availability), early check-in/late check-out, and a $100 hotel credit to enjoy its celebrated dining options.

Valverde Hotel – Lisbon
An understated, design-forward townhouse hotel on the chic Avenida da Liberdade. Lisbon’s mild winters and glowing lights make it an ideal December destination.
🌟 Rates typically around $400–500/night — a smart pick for both value and style.
🎁 Enjoy holiday markets, codfish dinners, and warm Portuguese hospitality.

Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Prague
Set inside a 13th-century monastery, this hotel combines history with refined comfort. Prague shines at Christmas with its world-famous markets and Gothic charm.
🎄 Rates hover around $500–600/night in December — a steal compared to Western Europe.
🎁 Virtuoso extras + a stay steeped in Czech tradition make this a true holiday gem.

Ready to start planning? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.

About Krista

I’m a Virtuoso luxury travel advisor based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Prior to moving to Florida to take care of my elderly mom with Parkinson’s Disease, I spent over 11 years living and working in London, England. My career and personal travel have taken me all over the world. To date, I’ve been to 78 countries. Now I bring the joy of travel to others as a Virtuoso travel advisor. I offer a 30 minute complimentary vacation consultation for anyone looking to plan their next trip.

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Krista Nannery
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