Christmas is approaching. If you would rather spend the festive season in the sunshine, December offers plenty of possibilities for a change of scenery. From tropical islands to southern European shores, our clients have chosen destinations combining warm temperatures, local traditions, beaches and time outdoors. Here are ten of the best places to spend Christmas in the sun with family.
Marrakech is an appealing destination for a family Christmas away from the European winter. During the winter months, the city enjoys a mild climate and generally pleasant daytime temperatures, well suited to exploring the souks and Medina with children. Beyond the city, days can be spent discovering the Atlas Mountains or the landscapes on the way to the desert, before returning to Marrakech for a hammam or spa treatment.
Our clients recommend these villas in Marrakech: Riad Darmina, Villa Rose-Anna, Villa Talila
Mauritius combines warm temperatures, beaches and tropical landscapes during the festive season. Days can be spent swimming and snorkelling in the lagoon, exploring the island's waterfalls and forests or simply enjoying time together by the sea. The Christmas and New Year period also provides an opportunity to discover Mauritian cuisine and the island's different cultural traditions.
Our clients recommend these villas in Mauritius: Villa Turquoise, Villa Tamalia, Villa L’Ilot
Phuket is well suited to a Christmas spent by the sea, with December falling within one of the most favourable periods for exploring Thailand's Andaman coast. Its beaches, restaurants and markets offer a range of activities for families, while boat trips make it possible to discover neighbouring islands such as Ko Phi Phi. Inland, rainforest excursions provide a different perspective on the island.
Our clients recommend these villas in Phuket: Villa Blue Ocean, Villa Amanzi Kamala, Villa Naam Sawan
For travellers looking for a beach holiday at Christmas, the Caribbean offers a wide choice of islands. From Saint Barthélemy and Antigua to Martinique and Guadeloupe, each has its own landscapes, beaches and traditions. Anguilla and the Dominican Republic offer further options for spending the big day by the sea and extending the trip into the New Year.
Our clients recommend these villas in the Caribbean: Anguilla Estate, Villa Lady, Villa Kolina
Christmas in Bali offers a combination of tropical landscapes, culture and wellbeing. Families can visit temples, explore local markets and discover Balinese traditions, while massages, yoga and spa treatments provide time to slow down. December falls within the rainy season, so short tropical showers should be expected alongside periods of sunshine.
Our clients recommend these villas in Bali: Villa Ylang Ylang, Villa Gils, Villa Cemara
Just a few hours' flight from many European cities, the Algarve offers a quieter side of Portugal during the festive season. Its picturesque villages and spectacular cliffs lend themselves to coastal walks and days exploring the region, while restaurants provide an opportunity to sample Portuguese fish, seafood and other local specialities. Temperatures are milder than in northern Europe, although this is not a tropical winter-sun destination.
Our clients recommend these villas in the Algarve: Villa Idillya, Villa Dinho, Villa Baixo
Andalusia offers a different way to celebrate Christmas, combining mild winter days with deeply rooted festive traditions. Families can explore the region's white villages, visit Seville, Málaga or Granada and enjoy tapas and other regional specialities. Flamenco performances and Christmas celebrations add to the festive fun, while the generally quieter winter period makes cultural visits particularly appealing.
Our clients recommend these villas in Andalusia: Casa de Ronda, Villa Palo Alto, Hacienda Andaluz
Koh Samui combines beaches, Thai cuisine and tropical landscapes. Local markets are a good place to discover regional specialities, while days can be divided between the beach, watersports and exploring the island. However, December can still bring rainfall to Koh Samui, so travellers looking specifically for reliable winter sunshine should take the island's seasonal weather into account.
Our clients recommend these villas in Koh Samui: Villa Anavalia, Villa Akania, Villa Waimarie
Ibiza reveals a quieter character outside the summer months. Winter is a good time for walking along the coast, exploring villages and discovering the island's countryside. Its secluded coves and Mediterranean landscapes remain part of the appeal, although December is better suited to exploring the island than to a traditional swimming and sunbathing holiday.
Our clients recommend these villas in Ibiza: Villa Foc, Villa Payesa, Villa Sarga
Sri Lanka brings together beaches, tropical landscapes, temples and national parks. December can be particularly suitable for exploring parts of the south and west of the country, depending on the region chosen. Families can combine time on the coast with wildlife watching, cultural visits and walks through the countryside, making it one of the best places in this selection for travellers looking for both nature and the sea.
Our clients recommend these villas in Sri Lanka: Villa Kasuni, Villa Clare, Villa Piyumi
Villanovo offers a selection of private villas across these winter destinations, with properties suited to families, groups of friends and couples. Depending on the villa, features may include a heated pool, extensive gardens or direct beach access, while house staff and the services of a private chef may also be available. Our Villa Specialists can provide expert advice to help identify properties suited to your group and the type of Christmas holiday you are planning.
Our concierge teams can help organise the practical details of your stay and arrange services according to your plans. For the big day, they can book the services of a private chef to prepare Christmas dinner in your villa, with festive dishes adapted to your preferences, from local specialities to more traditional favourites such as roast potatoes. They can also organise a boat trip in the Caribbean, spa treatments in Bali or activities for the whole family.
For Christmas and New Year, our teams can also share recommendations for restaurants, activities and places to visit at your destination, helping you plan your holiday throughout the winter months.
