Vietnamese Resort in 12 must-visit hotels for Christmas

Lonely Planet travel guide suggests 12 ideal hotels to enjoy Christmas, including a representative in Vietnam.

Dubbed the "Bible of the travel world", Lonely Planet, the world's largest independent travel guide publisher with more than 600 publications, has suggested the 12 best hotels on the planet to celebrate Christmas 2024.

Alma Resort is located in Cam Ranh city, Khanh Hoa , and is the representative of Vietnam appearing on the list.

"You think Vietnam is not an ideal Christmas destination? Think again. The festive atmosphere is everywhere in Vietnam. Alma Resort, a 30-hectare beach resort located on the central coast. From a gingerbread house made from 230 kg of flour (pictured) to a large Advent calendar, the resort offers guests surprises every day," the travel guide writes. Room rates start at VND4.4 million.

In addition, the resort will also host a Christmas market selling handicrafts and local products. The Kids Club will also sell handmade Christmas cards made by children at the local orphanage. The proceeds will be used to support the children. Photo: Booking

The Plaza, located in New York City, USA, is the first name mentioned by Lonely Planet in the list.

According to experts, Christmas at The Plaza is as magical and attractive as the movies that made this place famous: Home Alone 2 (1992) and Eloise at Christmastime (2003). The hotel lobby sparkles with wreaths, twinkling lights and a large Christmas tree. Room rates start from VND24 million.

The selection criteria are based on the destination's easy access, value-for-money experience, luxury hotels and beautiful Christmas decorations, along with many related activities to serve guests during this occasion. Photo: The Plaza

Gleneagles Hotel, located in Perthshire, Scotland, is a highly rated place to stay during Christmas, full of festive atmosphere, Scottish folklore, crackling log fires and a special visit from Santa Claus and his nine reindeer.

Guests staying at the hotel will enjoy holiday activities such as ice skating, craft classes, Christmas parties and cheese and wine tastings, and pantomime and comedy performances. Room rates start at VND14 million. Photo: Booking

For the closest magical Christmas getaway to the North Pole, Lonely Planet suggests Paws Up Montana, USA, a 59-acre ranch that transforms into a Santa Claus Village during the holiday season.

Visitors can take a dog sled to admire the snow-covered landscape, cross-country ski to Canada, make gingerbread or watch the impressive gingerbread creations made by experts. A 5-night package including a luxury family lodge, meals during the day, and drinks for one person starts at $500. Photo: The Resort at Paws Up

Four Seasons Resort at Landaa Giraavaru Baa Atoll, Maldives, is a suggestion for tourists who want to avoid the cold. Christmas on this island is always filled with sunshine and festivals on the beach. Tourists can participate in the Christmas tree lighting event, Christmas market. Children can immerse themselves in the "Wonderland of Wonderland" event with Santa Claus.

On Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy a delicious seafood feast. Room rates start from VND50 million. Photo: Booking

What would a palace holiday be like? Find out when you stay at La Mamounia, the iconic hotel in Marrakesh, Morocco.

From 14 to 24 December, the hotel’s garden hosts a Christmas market where guests can shop for everything from Christmas tree decorations to exclusive perfumes. The market is the perfect place to find special gifts and bring a little bit of La Mamounia luxury home. Room rates start from VND14 million. Photo: Atlantida Viatges

The five-star Villa d'Este hotel, located on Lake Como, Italy, is considered an "enchanting place" at the end of the year. The entire hotel grounds sparkle with festive lights and fluttering red ribbons, creating a festive atmosphere like something out of a fairy tale.

In classic Italian style, a grand feast is the highlight of Christmas Eve, while a sumptuous lunch with traditional dishes is on offer. The hotel’s ballroom is a paradise for chocolate, Yule log, and pannettone lovers. Room rates start from VND23 million. Photo: Villa d'Este

Located in a Norwegian fjord, Union Øye offers a peaceful Christmas atmosphere without the hustle and bustle. The hotel is located under a snowy mountain and surrounded by snow-covered forest, creating a magical scene.

Visitors can spend the day sipping mulled wine by the fire, sampling Christmas cookies, and ice skating on the lake. During the holidays, the hotel does not host any activities to give guests a space to completely relax, except for the traditional Christmas Eve dinner by the Christmas tree. Room rates start from 7 million VND. Photo: Union Oye

Staying at the Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresdens, Germany, guests will experience the Striezelmarkt - the world's oldest Christmas market - right outside their room.

Stroll through the market's 240 stalls or explore dozens of markets
Dresden's other Christmas is a popular experience for many visitors staying here. Events and festivals also take place continuously at the end of the year. Cheese fondue and mulled wine are dishes that visitors should enjoy when staying here. Room rates from 7 million VND.

Image: Taschenbergpalais Kempinski Dresdens

The Carpa Hotel in Saas Fee, the Swiss village where Wham's Last Christmas was filmed, is the perfect destination for those looking to have their own "Last Christmas". Diners can enjoy breathtaking snowy mountain scenery, mulled wine and classic 80s dishes while staying here.

Outside the hotel is a Christmas market where visitors can buy small, cute souvenirs as gifts. Room rates start from 12 million VND. Photo: Booking

In London, when it comes to Christmas, it's Claridge's Hotel. The annual Christmas tree lighting is a long-awaited event, and this year is no exception. Even non-guests look in to see the lobby decked out for the occasion.

The Christmas menu includes Wellington, the famous English pudding. "The hotel is the most magical place in London at Christmas," according to Lonely Planet. Room rates from 30 million VND. Photo: Booking

Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort in the Turks & Caicos Islands will offer guests a sunny Christmas experience, instead of one surrounded by snow.

Inspired by the mischievous elf, the resort offers guests a variety of experiences during the year-end holidays such as treasure hunts, dinner parties, night movies, and adventures to the "North Pole" on the island. The activities take place continuously, promising to bring guests a busy and memorable holiday. Room rates from 40 million VND.

Room rates for resorts and hotels can be found on booking apps like Agoda, Booking or on hotel websites, on weekdays in December and January, excluding holidays. Photo: Booking

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