Travel for the Holidays: Unique Food & Fun at Coastal Resorts & Destinations

Travel for the Holidays: Unique Food & Fun at Coastal Resorts & Destinations

With the holidays quickly approaching, here are unique experiences for families, couples, friend groups, and even solo travelers available at these coastal resort destinations from Florida, the Maldives, British Virgin Islands, and Belize. From a latke station on a private island resort to carolers in the lobby to a masquerade ball on New Year’s Eve, the following sun-filled settings create the ultimate getaway for holiday travel this season.

Cayo Espanto (Belize) Introduces Holidays in Paradise

Cayo Espanto, a private island resort in Belize, has introduced to create an even more memorable Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas or other holiday in the tropical luxe setting. Adding to the overall experience, families or couples can choose from a Holiday family photoshoot, a Christmas hook and cook brunch on a nearby uninhabited island, Santa’s delivery of presents via helicopter, setting up a latke station along the private beach or dock area, and more. Décor representative of the specific holiday will be set-up around each villa and surrounding dock, pool, and beach area.

Available today for bookings for both the 2022 and 2023 fall-winter holidays, travelers can also choose their ideal set of dishes and activities preferred during a Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s, or other celebration spent. The barefoot luxe resort’s award-winning culinary team will create menus that speak to local influences in addition to incorporating favorited seasonal dishes such as a roasted turkey and pumpkin pie.

Coco Collection (Maldives) Provide a Very Festive Season

Coco Collection, two boutique island resorts in the Maldives, are providing guests with an array of holiday fun to enjoy at each resort this season. Blending authentic Maldivian culture, a continuous eco-forward approach to features and dining experiences, and classic holiday traditions, the resorts have created a full schedule of music, food, drinks, and giveaways. Holiday karaoke, DJ dance parties, special kids club features (including pizza making class and movie afternoons), a visit from Santa Claus, and more will all be enjoyed by guests of all ages visiting Coco Collection this December. Including the full list of activities that will be made available here.

Grand Residences Introduces ‘Sunny Season’s Greetings’ Cocktail

Grand Residences is a secluded coastal resort located about half an hour outside of Cancun in an area called Puerto Morelos. The resort itself and surrounding setting allows for both active and relaxing experiences, including a bike tour, spa treatments, cooking demonstrations, a Kids Club, and more. Outside the onsite décor and family fun this season, Grand Residences is offering a way for those unable to enjoy Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or other holiday at the resort the opportunity to a recreate one of their signature cocktails at home. Including the recipe and instructions below. Image of the drink can be found here.

INGREDIENTS:

  • Red fruits (6 pieces)
  • Lemon juice (1 ounce)
  • Mango juice (2 ounces)
  • Orange juice (4 ounces)
  • Red wine (3 ounces)

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Place the red fruits in a glass and crush them to release the juice, add ice, in a shaker add the ounces of juice to shake and mix them, once well mixed pour into the glass, finally add the red wine.
  2. Sit back and enjoy as you plan your visit to the resort for the New Year.

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa Brings the Celebrations Onsite

Sitting along the emerald green waters of Northwest Florida, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa provides travelers with direct access to an exclusive beachfront while simultaneously creating an all-encompassing atmosphere. This year the resort is bringing the holidays onsite this year with a week filled with fun for travelers or all ages – many of the activities will be provided complimentary. Guests of all ages are able to partake in a wide range of holiday fun this season, including carolers, photo cut outs, complimentary bananas fosters, a hot cocoa and eggnog station, classic holiday favorites shown by the pool, and adults-only holiday cocktail making class, and more. The full list of activities available during the resort’s weeklong holiday celebrations can be found here.

Saba Rock Offers Lively Adventures for the Holidays

Saba Rock in the North Sound of the British Virgin Islands is the ideal setting for holiday adventures and fun. The intimate setting consists of nine finely appointed guestrooms and suites with a modernized design, an expansive restaurant, cool lounge, rooftop sunset bar, as well as onsite dive shop, retail shop and spa treatments. A variety of aquatic offerings, including kiteboarding and windsurfing in which the North Sound has become recognized as a top site to enjoy such activities. The year-round sunny weather allows solo travelers to also enjoy diving, snorkeling, scuba, snuba, yacht charters, island tours, and more all from world-renowned experts in adventure. In addition to the guided adventures available, Saba Rock will be hosting delectable menus for Thanksgiving and the December holidays for those onsite to enjoy.

Charleston, South Carolina

The Holy City is an exciting and sophisticated getaway that emanates old-world European charm, and during the holiday season transforms into a charming Charles Dickens scene. From the magnolia wreaths hung on wrought-iron gates to the holiday festivities around town, travelers will find no shortage of things to see and do.

  • What to Do: James Island’s Annual Holiday Festival of Lights (Nov. 11 – Dec. 31) featuring over two million dazzling lights, s’more roasting, and visits with Santa.
  • Where to Shop: For a European vacation-esque shopping experience, travelers will delight in local boutiques like Hampden, and designer stores such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton. This holiday season, HarbourView Inn guests can gift their jewelry-obsessed loved ones the Holiday Historic Charmer experience, inclusive of a $500 shopping trip to Croghan’s Jewel Box, the oldest family-owned jeweler in town. 
  • Where to Stay:

o   French Quarter Inn offers the special Sleigh Bell Suite, completely decked out in holiday décor including garland, a holiday tree, and an in-room eggnog bar.

o   The Spectator Hotel’s personal butlers are assigned to each guest (the only in the city with this service) and can transform each room with holiday décor, treats, and drinks upon request.

o   HarbourView Inn, a newly refreshed waterfront retreat in downtown Charleston that features a gingerbread house replica of the hotel in the lobby, live Christmas carolers and a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve.