Holiday Escapes

If Santa is feeling extra generous, perhaps he’ll slip an airline ticket into your stocking and whisk you away

to somewhere fun and exotic this holiday season. Whether you chose to stay domestically or venture abroad, break from the traditional winter plans and

head to these hot hotels and resorts.

By: Nina Hemphill Reeder, Tamara Crockett, Satchel B. Jester, Ronda Racha Penrice and Sheryl Nance-Nash

hotel hotlist

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hotel hotlist

The Don CeSarFort LauderdaLe, FLa.If your idea of holiday cheer is wrapped in history, tradition and elegance, then the perfect present for you is waking up in the Don CeSar hotel. Nicknamed “the Pink Palace,” the Fort Lauderdale-based attraction is laced in legendary stories of pomp and circumstance dating from the Gatsby Era, yet new renovations offer the storied property a fresh foot to put forward with updated rooms and thoughtfully curated dining options.

Beach-house suites and sunset champagne sabering must top your to-do list, and jazz and wine from the house’s impressive collection have to end your night. And because girls like sugar, spice and everything nice, choose to celebrate the season with girlfriends and feel even more phenomenal after a booked and busy day at Spa Oceana (doncesar.com). —SBJ

DUKeS LonDonLondonSteps away from Buckingham Palace in a private historic St. James courtyard lies the treasured DUKES LONDON. Touted as one of London’s first luxury boutique hotels, DUKES commemorates its 110th anniversary this year. The newly renovated property features 90 rooms—including one penthouse and 18 suites—plus a health spa, gym, drawing room and conservatory. Also, it’s home to the famous DUKES Bar, known for its tableside-crafted martinis and for being where author Ian Fleming penned his James Bond novels. This haunt was the inspiration behind Bond’s “shaken not stirred” line. The new Great British Restaurant, GBR, is open all day and serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea—which is a must-have experience while visiting England’s capital city. The GBR Afternoon Tea features a delectable assortment of teas, finger sandwiches, and sweet treats plus champagne (dukeshotel.com). —TC

Make It “Home” for the Holidays: Guests staying between Dec. 15 and 30 will receive complimentary mulled wine and hot chocolates upon arrival and a full English breakfast on the morning of checkout. In the evening, children will enjoy warm milk and cookies on Christmas Eve and Day.

SoLiS Two PorSChe DriveatLantaWhether you’re just passing through Atlanta or hanging local for a staycation, the Porsche Solis should be the top of your consideration…because hello, it’s Porsche. In addition to the clean and cozy décor, pair your stay with a driving package at the neighboring Porsche Experience Center, where guests can hop in a Porsche and zip around their 1.6-mile test track with a driving coach by your side. After you work up an appetite, hit APRON, the Solis’s Mediterranean-style restaurant, where Executive chef Derrick Green cooks up house-made pasta and tasty spins on Greek favorites (solishotels.com). —NHR

The ConfiDanTe MiaMi BeaChMiaMiDespite all the quests to be had around Miami, you might find it hard to pull away from the cozy digs at the Confidante. Fittingly named the Backyard, the Confidante has recreated a retro Miami wonderland with courtyard pools and gardens. Here, while lounging in the comfy cabanas and pastel-colored poolside lounge chairs, guests can order a full menu of cocktails and flavorful bites (book a stay for the fish sandwich and spicy waffle fries alone). The same full service and colorful aesthetic are offered beachside. Back in the room, you’ll still see the colorful reminders of the mid-century. But do take note of the futuristic touches, such as the in-room Plum wine machines, which dispense wine by the glass with the touch of a button (theconfidantehotel.com). —NHR

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hotel hotlist

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The BLooMSBUry hoTeLLondonLeap across the pond and celebrate the holidays like a royal in Londontown. The Bloomsbury Hotel will welcome you with open arms. The West End property is located in the Bloomsbury district—a cultural, intellectual and literary hub and home to museums, great shopping and history galore. The hotel’s 2017 redesign brought forth one of London’s most Instagrammed restaurants, Dalloway Terrace, the art-deco inspired Coral Room grand salon bar and the indoor/outdoor smartly styled Bloomsbury Club Bar. This space is trendy yet cozy, with amazing amenities and superb service. Hit the town if you want or spend an entire weekend cozied up in the warm comforts of the Bloomsbury’s English charm (doylecollection.com/hotels/the-bloomsbury-hotel). —TC

hiLTon aT reSorTS worLD BiMiniBiMini, the BahaMasIt’s not surprising that Dr. King wrote part of his Nobel Prize speech in Bimini. That’s just the kind of serenity the Hilton at Resorts World Bimini taps into. Be it chilling in a room overlooking the water, getting a massage on site or simply devouring a scrumptious lobster crab burger, there are endless ways to kick back. Got a large crew? Stay in a suite and dine in. Roll the dice with actual high rollers in the casino. Roam the 750-acre property at Resorts World. Adventurers can explore the shipwreck and then Zen out on a private island nearby. Still, nothing quite beats cycling around the island, especially if it includes a stop at Edith’s Pizza & Takeout for lobster pizza made with Bimini bread dough (rwbimini.com/hilton-hotel). —RRP

Make It “Home” for the Holidays: Resorts World Bimini has several hotel and air packages to help welcome in 2019 with top-notch Bahamian cuisine, a rooftop party with live DJs and a champagne toast.

La PLaya CarMeLCarMeL, CaLiFThere’s a good reason La Playa Carmel is called the “Grande Dame of Carmel.” The former mansion built in in 1905 has it all, including manicured gardens, intimate patios, tucked-away courtyards and a terrace swimming pool, which set the stage for all things serene. The 75-room, historic hotel is elegant with its elevated beach cottage style. The service is high-touch. You barely get through the door and someone arrives with libations. On Sundays at The Bar at La Playa, in a short ten-minute window after 5p.m., you can get wine, beer, martinis for a dime. The price pays homage to La Playa’s former owner who back in the 50s, believed in having 10 cent martinis on Sunday nights (laplayahotel.com) —SNN

CenTriC hyaTT GinzatokyoOpened in 2018, this Hyatt Centric is a welcoming refuge for the style-minded traveler. Here in the heart of Tokyo’s upscale shopping district, guests can spend their days on sartorial pursuits and spend their nights in style among the eye-popping décor of the Centric Ginza. Formerly an old printing press, the property highlights this motif throughout with clean lines, prints and other typographical accents. Enjoy spacious suites (plenty of space to store your shopping spoils). Plus, in-room yukata robes help you unwind in Japanese elegance. For locally-inspired dining, look no further than the in-house restaurant, NAMIKI667, which is a mix of Japanese tradition and global du jour (ginzatokyo.centric.hyatt.com). —NHR

Make It “Home” for the Holidays: In addition to special holiday-inspired cocktail and dinner menus, the property introduces its Cheers with Peers Party Package. To honor the Japanese custom of celebrating the new year with friends and family, the property offers a special shared dining experience for your crew.

inTerConTinenTaL wharf DCWashington, dCOffering a bevy of entertainment and dining options, the historic DC Wharf (which recently underwent a massive $2.5 billion renovation) is now the newest hotspot in the city. And the InterContinental Wharf is one of the main sources responsible for heating up the scene. Expect the crisp designs and comfortable luxury that you know and love from the InterContinental brand. But you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the lively scene of its in-house restaurant, Kith and Kin. Executive chef and former Top Chef contestant Kwame Onwuachi combines his Bronx, West African and Caribbean heritage for elevated fusion fare and creative cocktails (wharfintercontinentaldc.com). —NHR

aBaCo CLUB on winDinG BayaBaCo, BahaMasAll clubs weren’t created equal, and it’s clear that this isn’t your average country club. With residential properties for club members and cabana and home rentals for guests, the Abaco Club on Winding Bay is an ideal Caribbean escape for a lowkey vacation on highlife vibes. Within a short flight from the East Coast, guests can be nested on the secluded Bahamian cove with a rum cocktail within hours. Golf enthusiasts can hit the links on their picturesque golf course, where an on-site PGA pro is available for private lessons. At the two property restaurants, the Cliff House and the casual Flippers Beach Bar, guests have an array of exciting menu choices like sushi, lobster and Bahamian barbeque. Or guests can request a private chef to cook in their own rental unit (theabacoclub.com). —NHR

Make It “Home” for the Holidays: Enjoy special holiday programing like kids’ club activities for the tykes and night golf on New Year’s Eve followed by a New Year’s Eve celebration.

hotel hotlist

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hotel hotlist

The reServe aT ParaDiSUS PaLMa reaLPunta Cana, doMiniCan rePuBLiCWhy do the parents get to have all the fun? The family concierge delights the kiddos with amenities, such as youth terrycloth robes, kid-friendly toiletries and beach toys. Also, turndown service includes nightly surprises, like a drawn bubble bath filled with giant balloon animals. Roomy suites with kitchenettes and swim-ups are ideal for families with young ones. But when you’re not lounging in your room,

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SLS Baha Marnassau, BahaMasFor the perfect amalgam of naughty and nice, touch down in Nassau, Bahamas, at the all-new SLS Baha Mar! Leading the pack as the first lifestyle hotel in the country, the 299-room escape has lured an expressive group of celebrities and personalities, boasting elevated night club experiences, swanky residences and dining that couldn’t possibly get any finer.For an ultra-luxe gift this year, check in to their three-day Sinfully Lavish Splendor package, in which each day carries a theme: sinful (an all-day cabana rental at Privilege day club), lavish (an excur-sion to Long Cay—a private island off the shores of Baha Mar) and splendid (a jaunt on a seaplane to discover the brilliance of the Exumas) (sleshotels.combahamar). —SBJ

hoTeL riU PaLaCe ParaDiSe iSLanDParadise isLand, BahaMasLeave the kids, cool weather, coats and boots behind this winter and head to paradise —Paradise Island, that is. The beautifully renovated RIU Palace Paradise Island is an adults-only, all-inclusive property with 397 rooms that all include views of the serene white sands of Cabbage Beach. The Soca Pool will lure you in with its oceanfront infinity pool and swim-up bar—selfies will go down here! Steps away from the pool, find mouthwatering jerk chicken and various jerk sauces at the Jerk Chicken station. With five other restaurants to choose from, make their Chutney Indian Restaurant top the list. Eliminate holiday stress with a self-care day at Renova Spa, and catch a live show and dance the night away at Pacha Disco (riubahamas.com). —TC

hotel hotlist

enjoy the culinary indulgences of their all-inclusive dining, from their lavish breakfast buffet to their Mediterranean restaurant. Furthermore, the Reserve’s guests are free to dine at the larger Palma Real property for more restaurant options. —NHR

Make It “Home” for the Holidays: New this December, the compound opens its latest addition, the Grand Reserve at Paradisus, which offers more exclusivity in private swim-ups and spacious suites reaching up to 3,000 square feet.

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KiMPTon aerTSon hoTeLnashviLLe, tennesseeThis year, Nashville welcomed its first Kimpton prop-erty. With a nightly complementary wine hour for overnight guests and a $15 generously portioned breakfast for two at the property’s Henley restaurant, Southern hospitality pairs quite nicely with the usual Kimpton charms here at the Aertson. Located in mid-town just across from the Vanderbilt University campus, the 180-guest room property is the perfect location to enjoy the pedestrian-friendly area. Plus, you can take advantage of the hotel’s free bike rentals. For a night on the town, Nashville is bursting with possibilities from music to theater, but a night in is equally enticing. Their Henley restaurant is helmed by James Beard Award–winning chef RJ Cooper, who highlights the best of Ten-nessee in his locally sourced plates (aertsonhotel.com).

ThoMPSon PLaya DeL CarMenriviera Maya, MexiCoBeach meets city style minus the stress at Thompson Playa del Carmen. Choose from two experiences, Beach House or Main House. View the water from your room, dine by it at C-Grill or, better yet, hit the sand at Beach House. At Main House, turn up with a cabana at the world-class rooftop bar or go full foodie at Catch restaurant. Use a tour company like Living Dreams Mexico to get a taste of ancient Mayan life, swim in a cenote or zipline. Missing the nearby Frida Kahlo Museum is not an option. There are also a mall and plenty of spots to keep the party going. And again, there’s a beach (thompsonhotels.com). —RRP

Make It “Home” for the Holidays: Stay two or more nights and get up to a $100 dining credit. New Year’s Eve is always promising, as past musical guests include Jason Derulo and Fetty Wap.

BraziLian CoUrT PaLM BeaCh, FLa. A fixture in the Palm Beach community, the Brazilian Court Hotel has had its fair share of famous guests over the years, from Greta Garbo to John F. Kennedy. Today, the boutique property keeps the Old World charm but continues to serve as a choice retreat for discerning travelers. As home to award-wining Michelin-star chef Daniel Boulud’s Café Boulud, the restaurant remains an attraction in itself. Furthermore, within a quick stroll, guests have access to the shopping on the famous Worth Avenue. The property also offers Lilly Pulitzer bicycle rentals and beach service transfers, where Brazilian Court staff will have you set up with a cooler, plush towels, a chair and umbrella on the beach (thebraziliancourt.com). —NHR

Make It “Home” for the Holidays: If you’re booking your stay between Dec. 1 and Jan. 31, the property offers complimentary bike rentals, hot chocolate and cookies.

SoneSTa forT LaUDerDaLe BeaChFort LauderdaLe, FLa.Waking up to an ocean view is one of the Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach’s best features. The location wins too. It’s just eight miles from the airport, right at the beach and a stone’s throw (or a water taxi, rather) from all the action in Las Olas, Florida’s other strip for fun into the wee hours. For an earlier start, pounce on the ongoing Bed and Breakfast getaway and enjoy dining by the beach. Make things even more interesting by taking an Everglades Airboat Nighttime Tour and look for alligators in the dark. And now, there’s even an adventure for your palate at their latest eatery, Steelpan, which thrives on Caribbean flavors (sonesta.com). —RRP

Make It “Home” for the Holidays: Cash in on the winter holiday sale and save up to 20 percent on your stay.

henry howarDneW orLeansThere’s nothing like Southern hospitality. The Henry Howard Hotel, built in 1867, is as grand as ever. The double gallery townhouse designed by famed architect Henry Howard, today is an 18-room, luxury boutique hotel in New Orleans’ Garden District. Think beautiful Greek Revival and Italianate elements. The Parlor, located right inside the front entrance, is like something you’ve seen in a movie with 12-foot ceilings, crown molding and stunning red pine flooring. The cozy rooms showcase local, original artwork and a combination of vintage and custom furniture. It’s an oasis, a perfect retreat when you’re ready to retire from all the lively fun that is New Orleans (henryhowardhotel.com) —SNN

STanTon SoUTh BeaChMiaMi BeaCh, FLa.When you can’t stand to hear another silver bell ring, opt for a chic, silent night on South Beach in Miami at the Stanton. The boutique lodging experience by Marriott is enveloped by a park and stands grandly on the “SoFi” end of the spirited stretch as one of few resort options with direct beach access.The artistic and relaxed vibes of the common areas, guest rooms and suites are punctuated with oceanfront pools and other indulgences, including hot sea shell therapy in the Stanton spa, concierge programming with complimentary bites and cocktails and culinary options with award-winning Japanese fare from Azabu Miami Beach (stantonsobe.com). —SBJ

Make It “Home” for the Holidays: From Nov. 30 to Dec. 9, guests can view and purchase art from “Six Women: Female Voices from Creativity Explored,” a special exhibit housed at the hotel in support of female artists with developmental disabilities.