A Connoisseur’s Guide to Festive Escapes
Modern dating and luxury travel require out-of-the-box thinking and demand experiences that transcend the ordinary. As we approach the zenith of the social calendar—the Christmas and New Year’s Eve season—it’s time to consider elevating our holiday plans from the pedestrian to the extraordinary. It’s less about escape and all about discovering destinations that will define your year and—who knows—maybe your life.
So, if you’re looking to impress a new paramour, or just needing a truly memorable break from the routine, the Seeking.com 2024 Festive Getaway Guide promises experiences that are not just unique, but exclusive and tailored to the discerning.
A (Private) South Pacific Paradise
For those who find even five-star resorts pedestrian, COMO Laucala Island offers exclusivity that borders the mythical. Nestled in the azure waters of the South Pacific, this private island retreat redefines luxury with an unapologetic flair that would make even the jaded jet-setter notice.
Owned by Red Bull magnate Dietrich Mateschitz, Laucala is a kingdom unto itself. With 25 villas sprawled across 3,500 acres of lush tropical landscape, privacy here isn’t just an amenity—it’s at the core of the experience. Each villa is a masterclass in sustainable opulence, featuring private infinity pools that seem to melt into the horizon, outdoor showers that put you at one with nature (in the most glamorous way possible), and dedicated butlers who anticipate your desires before you’ve even formed them.
For those who demand the crème de la crème, the Hilltop Estate beckons. Perched at the island’s apex, it offers views so breathtaking you’ll wonder if you’ve stumbled onto the set of a Bond film. One doesn’t simply observe paradise from this vantage point—you reign over it.
Laucala’s culinary philosophy is farm-to-table, but calling it that seems almost reductive. Nearly everything consumed is cultivated on the island, from organic produce to Laucala-reared—and pampered—Wagyu. The seven-course degustation menu is less dinner and more gastronomic odyssey, each course paired with wines from Mateschitz’s cellar.
For those looking to ring in the New Year with unparalleled panache, Laucala offers a fireworks display that makes Times Square look like a child’s sparkler. As the clock strikes midnight, you’ll find yourself on a private beach, vintage Dom Pérignon in hand, watching as the sky erupts in a symphony of light and color, each burst reflecting off the crystalline waters of the South Pacific.
In a world where luxury has become almost commonplace, COMO Laucala Island stands as a testament to what’s possible when money is no object and good taste is in abundant supply. It’s not just a vacation; it’s a statement—one that screams, “I’ve arrived,” in the most sophisticated whisper imaginable.
Zen Christmas in the Land of the Rising Sun
Yes, there are greeting card-worthy, picture-perfect, snow-capped European villages, but this year, why not trade in eggnog for sake and immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of Kyoto during winter solstice? As the ancient capital of Japan, Kyoto offers a Christmas experience that’s not just unique but steeped in luxury and refinement.
Start at the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, where East meets West through luxury and cultural immersion. More than a hotel, it’s a gateway to a world of cultural experiences that will enrich your holiday season. And for New Year’s, step back into the vibrant allure of the 1980s at the hotel’s “80’s Glam Gala”—a riotous evening of retro beats and glamorous fashion, all in an elegant atmosphere.
More into a Japanese-style dose of nature-drenched tranquility, atmospheric teahouse-style designs, exceptional eats, and next-level omotenashi hospitality? Book a night at Hoshinoya Kyoto. Accessible only by private boat, this former imperial retreat offers rooms that blend traditional ryokan aesthetics with modern comforts. Here, you partake in a Zen meditation session led by a Buddhist monk, followed by a kaiseki dinner that elevates seasonal ingredients to an art form. It’s a deeply restorative antidote to temple-tour fatigue and the touristy crowds of the busier center of the ancient capital.
As 2024 draws to a close, join locals in the time-honored tradition of Joya no Kane at Chion-in Temple, where the massive 70-ton bell dispels worldly desires. You’ll be transported to a realm where time seems to stand still. It’s not merely a celebration; it’s a cleansing of the soul. As part of welcoming the new year, the purpose of Joya no Kane is to sweep away all of the desires that have accumulated over a year. The bell is struck 108 times, representing the number of desires we hold. The Chion-in bell is one of the most famous in Japan. Due to its size, it takes a team of seventeen monks to strike the bell, and each time the bell rings, monks can be heard shouting “Ee hitotsu” (One more!) and “sōre”(Now!). In a word, unforgettable.
Where Opulence Knows No Bounds
For those who believe excess is a starting point, Dubai is a testament to human ambition and architectural audacity. This city doesn’t just reach for the stars; it builds elevators to them.
Consider making the Burj Al Arab your base of operations. Often dubbed the world’s only “seven-star hotel,” this sail-shaped icon of luxury offers butler service, gold-plated iPads, and a fleet of Rolls-Royces at your disposal. For Christmas dinner, ascend to the Al Muntaha restaurant, where Michelin-starred cuisine is served with a side of panoramic views from the 27th floor. New Year’s Eve at Al Muntaha is equally superb, promising a Michelin-starred six-course menu within an intimate setting, where culinary excellence takes center stage, enhanced by live entertainment for a truly sophisticated evening.
As the clock ticks towards midnight on New Year’s Eve, secure your spot at the exclusive Atmosphere lounge in the Burj Khalifa. Perched at 442 meters above ground, it offers a bird’s-eye view of one of the world’s most spectacular fireworks displays. The Burj Khalifa is a statement on your presence at the epicenter of luxury.
Why not add a dash of adventure to your trip by going on a private desert safari? Dune-bashing, falconry demonstrations, and a gourmet dinner under the stars provide a stark contrast to the city’s glitz, reminding you that true luxury is about the diversity of experience. You’ll explore the Arabian desert in a 4×4 ride, enjoy breathtaking views and photographs of sandy hills, and go sandboarding—take that snowy Midwest! Your desert safari offers accommodation in a bedouin camp with the opportunity for a camel ride and to try out henna hand or feet designs and sheesha, the renowned Arabic water pipe. Finally, a starlit BBQ dinner while watching sequinned belly dancing, a fire show, and a tanoura dancer spinning hypnotically in time to traditional Gulf music.
Safari!
For those pursuing an extraordinary festive season, a luxury Christmas and New Year’s Eve safari in South Africa offers an unparalleled experience that combines opulence with the raw beauty of the African bush.
Imagine waking up on Christmas morning in a luxurious lodge in the Sabi Sands, where the sound of lions roaring in the distance replaces traditional carols. Bordering Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands is renowned for exceptional wildlife viewing and exclusive lodges. Here, expect to easily spot the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino) thanks to the expertise of knowledgeable guides and trackers.
Christmas takes on a magical—epic—quality at top-tier properties such as Singita in the Kruger area. Imagine a gourmet Christmas lunch on a deck overlooking a waterhole, where elephants might wander by for a drink. Afternoon game drive becomes a festive adventure, with sundowners served in a secluded spot in the bush, accompanied by the sounds of the African wilderness.
The South African bush offers the ultimate celebration setting as the year closes. Luxury lodges pull out all the stops to create unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebrations that blend African traditions with world-class luxury.
In the Kruger area, you might find yourself toasting to the new year with vintage champagne, surrounded by the international jet-set. Fireworks? Nature provides its own display—the Milky Way—with a canopy of stars unobstructed by city lights and perhaps the distant roar of a lion to usher in the new year.
South Africa’s private reserves offer some of the most luxurious safari accommodations in Africa. Expect spacious, freestanding units with en-suite bathrooms, private verandahs, and often private plunge pools. Many lodges also feature world-class spas, allowing you to enjoy a massage with a view of the African bush.
The cuisine at these lodges is nothing short of exceptional. Gourmet meals are often paired with premium South African wines, making every meal a celebration of local flavors and culinary expertise.
What sets a luxury South African safari apart during the festive season are the exclusive experiences, such as taking a helicopter ride over the Blyde River Canyon or enjoying a private candlelit dinner in an ancient amphitheater on New Year’s Eve.
Many lodges also offer unique activities such as hot air balloon rides over the bush at dawn, private art tours with local artists, or exclusive wine tastings with renowned South African vintners. These bespoke experiences ensure that your holiday is truly one-of-a-kind.
The Timeless Allure of the City of Light
Paris may seem an obvious choice, but the truly sophisticated know that classics become classics for a reason. The key is to experience the city in ways the average tourist can only imagine.
Begin your sojourn at Le Bristol Paris, a bastion of French elegance since 1925. Book the Paris Suite, a masterpiece of 18th-century inspired décor—its steam room and views of the Eiffel Tower make it the perfect setting for a private Christmas celebration. Located on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the hotel tells a story of elegance, from its on-point decor to the Bristol After Dark experience, which revisits the glamour of Parisian nights. Le Bristol combines superlative service, art, warmth, and an unrivaled French savoir-faire. And now, under the direction of Chef Arnaud Faye, culinary excellence has reached even more stellar heights. At Epicure, the three-Michelin-starred restaurant, guests savor refined French gastronomy, while 114 Faubourg Brasserie offers a relaxed but equally exceptional dining experience. Elsewhere, guests enjoy exclusive experiences, like the swimming pool suspended above the rooftops of Paris or a peaceful stroll in the interior garden. Le Bristol is truly a Palace where extraordinary moments await.
For a truly unique Christmas, attend midnight mass at Notre Dame Cathedral, where the recently completed restoration offers a poignant symbol of rebirth and renewal. The first Notre Dame Christmas Eve Mass takes place on December 24 at 4:30 pm, followed by a Family Mass at 6 pm, Vespers at 8 pm, and an organ concert from 10:30 pm—11 pm. Following the concert, the Cathedral’s Midnight Mass begins at 11 pm. Expect long admission lines, particularly for the concert and Midnight Mass, and although tickets are not required, to get through security at the entrance and find a seat, it’s best to arrive a few hours early.
And if waiting in line is not ideal, Christmas Mass at the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Mass at the Church of Saint-Eustache are beautiful and unique.
As the new year approaches, elevate your celebration—literally—with a private dinner at Le Jules Verne, where Frédéric Anton presides over the fortunes of this emblematic restaurant on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower, accessible by a private lift. The seven-course tasting menu, paired with vintage Champagnes, offers a culinary experience that matches the spectacular views of the City of Light.
The magic of Le Jules Verne, 125m up from ground level, immediately bewitches diners captivated by the elevated cuisine. Kévin Garcia’s teams pull out all the stops to advance blue-ribbon produce and deliver delicate, faultlessly judged dishes boasting flavor that is consistently on point—think a sublime soufflé of scallops with a Dieppoise sauce, Oscietra caviar, or grenobloise caramelized sweetbread. Germain Decreton’s desserts further maintain lofty standards. When booking, ask for a table near the windows, as the view of Paris through the Eiffel’s fretwork is spectacular.
Northern Lights and Midnight Sun
For those who find typical yuletide festivities as stale as last year’s fruitcake, Deplar Farm in Iceland’s Troll Peninsula offers a “Silent Night” Christmas set against an Aurora Borealis Extravaganza. This former sheep farm, now a bastion of luxury in the middle of nowhere, is where those in the know exchange city lights for Northern Lights.
Forget roasting chestnuts on an open fire. At Deplar Farm, you’ll be sipping vintage champagne in a geothermal pool as the sky erupts in a psychedelic light show. The swim-up bar ensures you won’t have to choose between staying warm and sipping cocktails—a crucial consideration when bathing outdoors in the Arctic.
Christmas dinner here bypasses dry turkey in favor of a gastronomic odyssey through Iceland’s culinary landscape. Hangikjöt (smoked lamb) and laufabrauð (leaf bread) make appearances but in unexpected ways. Deplar’s farm-to-table philosophy means the lamb was raised ethically, grazing in pastures with the most bucolic views imaginable.
Deplar Farm flips the script on the typical New Year’s countdown. Here, one doesn’t wait for the ball to drop; you wait for the sun to rise—at midnight. The phenomenon of the midnight sun turns night skiing into an otherworldly experience. Imagine carving through pristine powder under a sky that can’t decide if it’s dusk or dawn, the horizon a perpetual state of golden hour.
In a world where luxury often means nothing more than a higher thread count, Deplar Farm offers an experience that’s truly out of this world. It’s a place where the laws of nature seem to bend to the whims of the visitor, where the sun and stars put on a show that money simply can’t buy—well, almost.
With 2024 drawing to a close, it’s a perfect time to think about new beginnings and, it has to be said, our dating lives. These destinations offer more than just an escape; they redefine what it means to get away, reset, and start a new year with a great attitude by providing luxurious settings where guests create lasting memories while experiencing stunning locales. Here, you won’t have to compromise on your standards or settle for less than you deserve. So why wait? And while you are dreaming about the perfect end-of-year setting, join Seeking.com and kickstart your journey into luxury dating today.
