Where To Go In December 2024

This winter, we will be heading into the Greek mountains in the central Peloponnese, where a design hotel is redefining the area for the modern traveler. Only two and a half hour's drive from Athens, Manna is nestled among a forest of firs on Mount Mainalo in Arcadia, an area steeped in myth as the stomping ground of the god Pan and his nymphs. The century-old building, which used to be a sanatorium for soldiers, had been left to ruin since the 1930s until new owner Stratis Batayas achieved his childhood dream of turning it into a hotel. A love letter to the region, where his family’s roots stretch back generations, Manna has been designed by K Studio to be in harmony with the tranquility of its natural surroundings. Book into Room 405 and discover the area through its hiking trails, rivers, unspoiled villages, and rustic tavernas — Taverna Joseph in Magouliana is Batayas’ favorite.

In December, Vienna is utterly magical. Glühwein and hot punch scent the air, and its handsome streets are strung with thousands of festive lights. Stay at the grand Hotel Sacher, a fin-de-siècle property that sits on Kärntner Strasse opposite the Opera and Albertina Museum, and was once the meeting place for Vienna’s high society.

For something a little more alternative, book into the Altstadt Vienna in the city’s fashionable “Boboville” district. An old aristocratic house, its interiors are filled with more than 400 artworks from Picassos to Warhols. Explore the city on foot and soak up its advent atmosphere, stopping in at historic churches by day and Christmas markets, such as the one Schloss Schönbrunn — by night. While in town, you have to eat tafelspitz (a kind of boiled beef) at Plachutta — and don’t miss the Klimt Collection at Belvedere.

Lech is a forever classic and one of our favorite mountain destinations for winter. With the season starting in early December, making it the ideal resort for an early ski trip where you can take advantage of its endless runs. Stay at the Sonnenhof, the new chalet project from Katia and Gerold Schneider which is also behind the Almhof Schneider hotel;

Or Der Berghof, which sits quietly just above Lech and has its own lift to whizz guests up to the hotel from the village. When you’re not making the most of the Arlberg’s top-notch pistes — or snowshoeing or cross-country skiing — stop in at the elegant Murmeli for lunch and pop to Zug for a special dinner at Rote Wand Chef’s Table.

Read our Lech Insider Guide here.

This month, the Bavarian Alps are teetering into their winter sports season, with everything from ski touring and ice skating on offer. Our first port of call will be Der Schmiedhof, which sits in the idyllic hamlet of Geitau, framed by the Wendelstein on one side and the Aiplspitz on the other. Lovingly converted from an old farmhouse, its beautifully designed apartment-style suites are presided over by owner Brigitte, who is on hand to share her local recommendations, such as those in the nearby market town of Bayrischzell.

Next, we’ll make our way to near Chiemsee and The Frasdorfer Hütte, which dates back to 1937 and is the home of Stubn. An Alpine restaurant with rooms, it’s the brainchild of restaurateur Ludwig Cramer-Klett and can only be reached on foot. In winter, it’s all about cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, before settling into the cozy dining room for multi-course dinners that roll with the hills and the seasons. Nearby, you can also experience one of the area’s most beautiful Christmas markets, which sits on an island in the Chiemsee.

Only an hour from west London, Heckfield Place is the country hotel we have our sights set on this month. Elegant and sumptuous with beautiful bedrooms, its new spa The Bothy hides in a walled garden, while Skye Gyngell’s restaurant draws on the bounty of its surrounding land. During December, it will host various festive happenings from artisan markets to wreath making classes and tablescaping workshops. If you don’t have time to leave London, make the most of the capital’s most Christmassy hotels, including Claridge’s and its always iconic tree.

December is one of the best months to get away to South Africa, and particularly its stunning winelands. This winter, we have our eyes on Franschhoek mountains, where you’ll find Sterrekopje, a biodiverse farm hotel nestled in its foothills. Designed to regenerate earth, body and soul, it has 11 sanctuaries and suites peppered across the 50 hectares of farmland, with the option to stay for either a 2,3, 5 or 7-night journey. You’ll leave feeling rested, inspired and connected.

Fast becoming one of Mexico’s most desirable small cities, the colonial-style San Miguel de Allende is a kaleidoscope of colour with fantastic markets and restaurants, a buzzing wine scene and must-visit galleries. The place to stay is the newly opened La Valise, which has six suites and an enviable rooftop, as well as incredible surrealist art by Pedro Friedeberg embedded into many of its walls. Combine it with a trip to Mexico City for a lengthier Mexican break.

84 Rooms recommends: 5 Of The Most Charming Hotels In Austria’s Bregenzerwald, and Where To Stay, Eat, And Shop In Stockholm.