Holiday Retreats for All Types of Travelers

Experiences for families, foodies, wellness-driven travelers, those looking for warm climate escapes and more.

• Asheville, NC: The Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa becomes a holiday wonderland each winter, inviting guests to experience the magic of the season in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The festivities begin on November 17 with the 2025 National Gingerbread House Competition, where talented bakers from across the country showcase their edible masterpieces, on display from November 18 through January 4. This year’s event is especially meaningful, celebrating the community’s resilience and creativity after Hurricane Helene. Guests can make the most of the season with the Gingerbread Holiday Package, available from November 19 to December 30, which includes luxurious overnight accommodations, breakfast at The Morning Table Buffet, a festive gingerbread cookie per guest, complimentary parking, and access to the dazzling competition display and more than 80 illuminated trees. To add to the holiday cheer, the Inn features a cozy hot chocolate stand in the lobby and Santa Visits in the Great Hall on select dates, creating the perfect setting for a warm and memorable holiday escape.
• Amelia Island, FL: Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa transforms into a festive seaside retreat for the holidays, offering guests a variety of magical seasonal experiences. From November through March, the Coastal Igloo & Fireside Glow invites visitors to unwind in a private beachside igloo, enjoy local charcuterie and s’mores, and sip warm holiday punch under the stars. The magic continues on November 28 with the Holiday Lights Celebration at The Shops, with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music, a dazzling tree lighting, and festive food and drinks. For an extra touch of exclusivity, resort guests and Amelia Island Club members can enjoy Omni Lights Up The Holidays on November 29, a poolside celebration featuring live entertainment, photos with Santa, and the resort’s official tree lighting.
• Bend, OR: Riverhouse Lodge offers a warm and inviting atmosphere surrounded by stunning snowy landscapes along the Deschutes River. Guests can enjoy activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and hitting the slopes at Mt. Bachelor. After a day of adventure, unwind with a glass of wine by your in-room fireplace or fire-pit patio, or indulge in a hearty meal at the lodge restaurant Currents.
• Chattanooga, TN: Opening December 18th in the heart of Chattanooga’s thriving Riverfront District, The Waymark celebrates outdoor lifestyle, offering the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation. Once a historic, 1920s bank, now a chic social sanctuary for locals and travelers alike. Rooftop lounge, Iris, offers a high-end craft cocktail program, an expansive brunch menu, and curated live music. The Vault speakeasy, aptly named for its location in the former bank vault, provides intimate vibes for any special occasion.
• Grand Cayman: Families can enjoy a sun-soaked reset at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, where kids can spend their days adventuring at the beloved Camp Seafire, filled with creative activities, island-inspired fun, and supervised experiences designed just for younger travelers. The Splash at Seafire pool zone also keeps the energy high with water features, shallow play areas, and endless sunshine. Meanwhile, parents can slip away to The Spa at Seafire, the island’s premier wellness sanctuary, featuring a Hammam, indoor-outdoor soaking garden, Jacuzzi, waterfall, and signature treatments rooted in modern techniques and Caribbean healing traditions. For foodies, a festive culinary journey awaits at Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman, where every restaurant sets the stage for a flavorful escape this holiday season. Guests can savor vibrant global cuisine, chef-driven tasting menus, and bold island-inspired dishes that celebrate the season. From rooftop bites at Pom Pom to immersive dining at Rasa and sun-soaked flavors by the pool, each meal becomes its own moment. The hotel Chefs spotlight local produce, fresh-caught seafood, and modern techniques to elevate every plate.
• Las Cruces, NM: Couples seeking a warm-weather romantic escape will love Hotel Encanto’s serene Southwestern retreat inspired by the region’s Spanish and Mexican heritage. The Celebrate Romance package includes sparkling wine and artisanal chocolate, and Las Cruces comes alive with beloved seasonal traditions including the Holiday Markets at the Las Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market, luminarias in historic Mesilla Plaza, and the iconic Las Cruces NYE Chile Drop.
• Mammoth, WY: Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel & Cabins showcases Yellowstone’s serene winter beauty, offering a warm base surrounded by snowy landscapes. Guests can join the free Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting on December 13, complete with Santa’s arrival on a historic yellow bus, treats, storytelling, and photos with a vintage Bombardier snowcoach. Winter activities like snowcoach tours, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing offered by the hotel, brings together holiday warmth and the quiet magic of Yellowstone’s secret season.
• New Orleans, LA: Escape to the heart of New Orleans with a festive stay at Sheraton New Orleans Hotel, where local culture, culinary traditions, and lively celebrations collide. The Papa Noel Package includes two handcrafted cocktails daily, and the hotel’s Gatherings by Sheraton elevate every moment with interactive experiences such as gumbo tastings and demonstrations, and spirited mixology experiences like the Battle of the Drinks cocktail tasting. Beyond the hotel, the city shines with beloved seasonal traditions like Celebration in the Oaks, illuminated Botanical Gardens, and nostalgic carnival rides at Carousel Gardens.
• Punta Cana, DR: Escape the cold at W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive, where you’ll start your day with a beachfront stroll and enjoy the swim-up Chill Pool Bar. With 13 restaurants and bars included, plus non-stop 24/7 in-room dining and a lively WET Deck that transitions from day to night. Wellness seekers can indulge in the AWAY Spa’s hydrotherapy area with a pool, salt pool, and separate destressing jacuzzi, all while being steps from the Caribbean sea.
• Tampa, FL: Located in the heart of Tampa’s vibrant Water Street neighborhood, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street blends genuine luxury with a personalized approach to wellbeing. The hotel curates meaningful experiences centered around wellness, from private nutrition and training sessions to hands-on experiences such as aromatherapy workshops and picnics on the rooftop deck. Guests can also savor the season through the property’s dynamic culinary offerings, including ocean-to-table dishes at Driftlight Steakhouse, and elevated cocktails with panoramic views at Beacon, Tampa’s highest rooftop lounge.
• Turks and Caicos: Set on the golden shores of South Caicos, Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa offers a holiday experience rooted in coastal luxury. Seasonal traditions unfold like the gentle salt tinge in the Caribbean breeze full of simple family-friendly activities to warm, coastal-inspired culinary moments and world-class salt-forward spa treatments. Designed for those seeking a slower, more intentional winter escape, Salterra brings the perfect holiday of comfort, nature, and an unforgettable celebration.
• Williams, AZ: Set in the historic railway town of Williams, the Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel offers an ideal festive retreat for the holidays. The property is just steps away from the departure point of the famous Polar Express Train where a touching journey is brought to life with hot chocolate, storytime, and a ride to a glowing North Pole. Elder family members can enjoy the hotel and settle into spacious rooms, decompress by the fire, or take a dip in the indoor pool following a day of snowy adventures. The surrounding town adds its own touch of holiday spirit with vintage Route 66 storefronts and mountain-town cheer as other ways to explore.