Happy September! While we say goodbye to the dog days of summer, the last thing on our mind is a winter vacation. But the truth is: it’s never too early to start planning travel for the holidays. In the industry, we call this season ‘festive,’ as it’s one of the most popular times to travel – and many hotels are already booking up.
Ready to get going? You’ve come to the right place. To aid in your holiday season planning, we’ve rounded up the top hotels for festive 2022, based on what’s popular among our community of advisors. These include resorts in the tropics, like Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic, a palace hotel in the City of Light (Christmas in Paris, anyone?) and a few trending properties in one of our all-time favorite destinations: Hawaii.
NIZUC Resort and Spa
Image courtesy of NIZUC Resort & Spa
Forget spring break – the holiday season is as gorgeous a time as ever to visit Mexico. Located in Cancun’s Punta Nizuc, just a short drive from the airport, NIZUC is one of our favorite resorts in Cancun (and that’s certainly saying something). The sprawling, 29- acre compound is home to mangroves, jungle and sweeping ocean views, and the hotel’s handsome interior aesthetic pairs delightfully with its clean, minimalist exteriors. When not enjoying the grounds, guests can indulge in treatments like a natural oil massage at the top-notch spa. NIZUC is known for its nightlife, with a Havana-inspired cigar lounge and an oceanfront bar that serves up delicious cocktails around the clock.
Fora Perks:
Daily breakfast.
Complimentary one-way private airport transfer (minimum value up to $100).
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
Image courtesy of Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
With its Spanish-influenced culture and natural beauty, the island of the Dominican Republic is a dreamy escape from the cold months. We love the sleek and classic villas at Casa de Campo Resort – picture crisp white linen, high ceilings and expansive balconies. Nestled within a private gated community, the family-friendly resort boasts an expansive golf course, views of the ocean as far as the eye can see and activities for all, like horseback riding and night golf.
Fora Perks:
$200 spa / golf credit.
Daily breakfast.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Dunes Village, South Carolina
For those looking for a family-friendly getaway without the headache of remembering everyone’s passports (hey, we’ve all been there), head down south to South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach. The waterfront Dunes Village has something for everyone, especially water babies: there are indoor and outdoor waterparks to keep the kids occupied all day. We also love the Dunes for its flexible accommodations (with rooms ranging from double queen beds to suites equipped with full kitchens) that are convenient for large and multigenerational groups.
Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
Image courtesy of the Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris
The City of Light at Christmas is gorgeous – this is the time when Europe becomes a winter wonderland, with classic Christmas markets and charm aplenty. The Four Seasons is a splurge-worthy icon in Paris just off the Champs-Élysées, with Eiffel Tower views, renowned service and unmatched Parisian style. Think intricately tiled floors, luxurious swaths of carpet and chic, neutral-hued interiors. Guests should be sure to dine in at the Michelin-starred Le Cinq restaurant, which offers creative and elevated takes on quintessential French dishes.
Fora Perks:
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Image courtesy of Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Island time is all the more sweet at Andaz Maui, which is ever-popular with families. The resort boasts rooms with tropical views, farm-to-table dining and four infinity pools overlooking the ocean. Guests can thaw from the chill of winter with tailor-made, unique treatments at the onsite spa, where spa consultants utilize a combination of Hawaiian massage techniques like lomi lomi and products sourced from the island. The restaurants on site, Ka’ana Kitchen and Morimoto Maui, offer magical culinary creations in authentic Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine, with the wagyu beef being a menu showstopper.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Daily breakfast.
Upgrade & check-in/out whenever possible.
Wymara Resort and Villas
Image courtesy of Wymara Resort and Villas
With its pristine beaches and reliable tropical weather, Turks & Caicos is a delightful year-round destination. Nestled among the swaying palm trees of Grace Bay, Wymara Resort and Villas offers a more couple-friendly experience compared to other family-friendly resorts on the island. The one-bedroom pool villas with private infinity plunge pools make Wymara an idyllic oasis for couples looking to celebrate the holidays in style. When not sunning by the beach, guests can pamper themselves with a massage in the private couples suite and explore the gardens on site.
Fora Perks:
$100 resort / hotel credit.
Daily breakfast.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas
We know how far we’ll go for a pristine Hawaiian winter vacation that captures the magic of Moana – and this resort is it. The Disney Vacation Club Villas at Aulani are perfect for families and multigenerational groups looking for all the creature comforts that come with holidays at home (like a full kitchen & living room for entertaining) with a crowd-pleasing tropical backdrop. Guests can meet their favorite Disney characters, float down the lazy river or opt for a customized spa treatment.
Bahia Vik Jose Ignacio
Image courtesy of Bahia Vik Jose Ignacio
Uruguay is fantastic to visit in the winter, as this is the region’s off-season, when there are very few tourists around. Bahia Vik Jose Ignacio offers peak contemporary minimalism, with floor-to-ceiling windows and breathtaking coastal views. This spot offers a seamless melange of indoor-outdoor living and unique luxury in the form of artist-curated villas and a stunning natural setting. The beachfront bungalows with multi-bedroom suites are especially ideal for families.
The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort
When it's time to choose a tropical getaway, as always, Hawaii never disappoints. The Westin is a picturesque green oasis nestled on the beach of Hapuna. Guests can enjoy the quintessential resort experience with amenities like a gym, golf course and adult and family pools. There are a number of standout activities, including a moonlight Manta ray snorkel and lei-making classes. The cozy suites on offer are equipped with living rooms, sofa beds and wet bars. Dinner at the onsite restaurant Meridia is always a good choice – the Mediterranean style dishes, especially the octopus, are sure to please.
Barceló Aruba
Aruba, with its turquoise blue water and swaying palm trees, is a popular wintertime haven, with direct flights from the East Coast making the island all the more accessible. We love the Barceló Aruba resort, a classic crowd-pleaser. With its expansive grounds, there are countless activities for travelers, from jet-skiing to sunset boat tours. Another plus: every one of the sophisticated rooms features a balcony with ocean views, plus sophisticated decor with pops of navy blue and crisp white linens.
