People around the globe eagerly anticipate the special time from December to January. The holiday season is here, and it’s time to spread good cheer – near or far.
My favorite special festivities and events can be found in Southern California where I’m based as well as in far-flung places in tropical paradise.
The Biltmore, Santa Barbara Four Seasons
Partake in a holiday themed rendition of our renowned afternoon tea in the cozy fireside ambience of Bella Vista. Savor elegant tea service including finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, pastries, tea cakes and homemade accoutrements along with a freshly brewed pot of one of dozens of fine teas. A glass of bubbly makes the experience even more festive.
Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village
Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village is among some of the resorts that become a Winter Wonderland this holiday season. The resort just north of Los Angeles is offering a holiday favorite for the third year – Let It Snow, a life snowfall event with live snowfall every few minutes, s’mores and hot cider. The highlight for kids young and old alike is a special visit from Santa and his sleigh.
Warm hugs and cheerful holiday greetings from some friends worth melting for during this morning’s Character Breakfast! #FSHolidays #FSFotog #FSHolidays
A photo posted by Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, California (@fswestlake) on
Dec 12, 2014 at 12:22pm PST
Visitors also get treated to two new additions this season – a holiday express train and hybrid ice skating rink. The holiday transports kids of all ages through the resorts expansive grounds with special stops to visit with different holiday characters.
The Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village also is unveiling its hybrid ice skating rink, promising to deliver a real ice skating experience without the cold of ice. For reservations, contact the hotel or book the Winter Wonderland Package online.
For more holiday fun at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, click here.
Beverly Wilshire
Among my top luxury destination is nearby Beverly Wilshire, made even more famous by the Hollywood blockbuster, “Pretty Woman.”
Steps from Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Executive Chef Thomas Bellec and his culinary team have created unique menus Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
The superb culinary experience is only matched with the stellar service and impeccable attention to detail that has become the hallmark of the Beverly Wilshire team.
Ho ho ho! We had some very special visitors stop by to see our #BWHoliday decor today. #howiholiday #fsholiday A photo posted by Beverly Wilshire (@beverlywilshire) on
Dec 12, 2014 at 9:50am PST
Among my favorite dinning experience is the THE Blvd Restaurant, which is unveils a unique pop-up Dom Pérignon tasting lounge for the holidays.
“The intimate, stylish space offers a menu of favorite Champagne vintages along with featured caviar selections, sure to make any occasion a special one here in Beverly Hills,” said Beverly Wilshire Public Relations Director Carrie Mitchell.
“There are few hours in life more agreeable than the hour dedicated to the ceremony known as #afternoontea.” ~ Henry James Join us in #THEBlvd from 2pm – 5pm daily for our festive Afternoon Tea. #BWHoliday #FSHoliday #fsfotog
A photo posted by Beverly Wilshire (@beverlywilshire) on
Dec 12, 2014 at 11:04am PST
Want a luxury reprieve from the holiday shopping in America’s most tony stores? Then head over to enjoy Afternoon Tea in THE Blvd daily from 2 to 5 p.m. during the holidays.
Guests also will have a difficult decision among the four Holiday Treasures. These made-to-order desserts from the pastry kitchen are the perfect culinary packages for an upcoming holiday party.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Close to my home, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is lighting up the holidays among one of the most spectacular vistas along the California coast.
The resort hosts 18 oversized lighting sculptures with more than 225,000 LED lights. It’s available for nightly viewing for guests and the general public.
The resort’s gingerbread display pays tribute to the ocean – appropriately named “IlluminOcean.” It’s created by Executive Pastry Chef Daniel Dominguez, Executive Sous Chef Brian Sundeen and their team of talented pastry chefs.
Guests can expect to experience different sea life – dolphins, turtles, sea otters, sharks and a whale – frolicking in royal icing wave rising 6-feet high. Holiday guests also can get a glimpse of Santa fishing and the resort’s Yappy Hour canines catching a wave.
The ocean-front resort also offers special experiences and activities for a memorable holiday getaway: Storytelling with Santa, Teddy Bear Tea, holiday dining in enoSTEAK or RAYA and Holiday Tea. For details, check out www.ritzcarlton.com/lagunaHolidays.
St. Regis Monarch Beach
During the holiday season, lights come to life in the Dana Point Harbor as Dana Point IlluminOcean debuts an imaginative twist on a holiday lighting tradition with 18 larger-than-life lighting attractions inspired by the sea — from light tunnels stretching over 100 yards to a gigantic walk-through whale sculpture and more.
With vivid color contrast like this, there is no comparison to a sunny day at The St. Regis Monarch Beach. pic.twitter.com/kYEX6dQkwP — St. Regis, Monarch (@StRegisMB) December 12, 2014
Tea lovers can visit Thursday, Friday and Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. until Dec. 20 for a lavish holiday tea buffet steeped in tradition and featuring an international variety of teas, finger sandwiches and delicious delicacies.
Children and families are invited to follow their sweet tooth and join in on the St. Regis tradition of decorating gourmet gingerbread houses. The St. Regis Monarch Beach pastry team will offer tips for decorating with the seemingly endless amount of candy and frosting available. The activities are on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.; Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon until Dec. 21.
Every weekend from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Dec. 21, children can visit Santa and share their holiday wish lists. Photos with Santa are complimentary with a $10 donation to the Breast Cancer Angels.
Dance the night away from 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31 to live music from Flashback Heart Attack and dine at delicious culinary stations accompanied by timeless cocktails at the St. Regis Monarch Beach New Year’s Eve bash. Entry to the party comes at various packages:
Full Event Ticket ($225): Begin your evening at 8 p.m. with full access to savory and sweet culinary stations, a welcome beverage and two complimentary drink vouchers.
Cocktail Event Ticket ($145): Join the St. Regis Monarch Beach with music, dancing and a New Year’s Eve countdown starting at 10:30 p.m. Ticket includes a welcome beverage and two complimentary drink vouchers.
Overnight Event Ticket ($695+): Be safe and avoid a late night drive home by booking a night at the St. Regis Monarch Beach with luxury room accommodations and two event tickets to the New Year’s Eve bash where you will enjoy the delicious culinary stations and party until 1:30 a.m.
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage
Although there are many ways to celebrate the holiday season, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage is poised to welcome guests back to participate in the resorts to the holiday season.
The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage invites guests to experience the surprise and delight of the holiday season as the resort is transformed with sparkling lights, sweet treats and special events. In celebration of this, The Season of Giving, the resort is collecting canned goods and non-perishable items for the F.I.N.D. Food Bank of the Coachella Valley and toys and books for Toys for Tots.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Rancho Mirage will feature the following holiday special events:
Amy Anderson Jewelry Trunk Show
Dec. 26 and 27 and Jan. 2 and 3 – Spa Lobby – 10 a.m.
Choose from a beautiful jewelry assortment or wait and have your own custom piece created for you.
Helen Jon Swimwear Event
Dec. 27 – Spa Lobby – noon to 4:00pm
Preview our NEW Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage custom swimwear and accessories.
Season of Giving Recipients are:
F.I.N.D. Food Bank – Food In Need of Distribution, Inc. (FIND Food Bank) is dedicated to relieving hunger, the causes of hunger, and the problems associated with hunger through awareness, education, and mobilization of resources and community involvement.
Toys for Tots – The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
Guest can experience true luxury in the Palm Springs Valley with the uncompromising service. For reservation, call The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage at 800-542-8680 or visit ritzcarlton.com/ranchomirage.
Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua in Maui
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua invites hotel guests to share this holiday season alongside dramatic ocean views, warm island breezes and swaying coconut palms.
The Maui resort has orchestrated a wide array of festive celebrations, family-friendly activities and unique gourmet experiences sure to create holiday memories that will last a lifetime.
A family favorite, Teddy Bear Tea, will commence on Dec. 20 and include tea presentations, cookie decorating and special cameos by Frosty the Snowman, Chris the Christmas Bear and of course, Santa Claus.
The luxury resort‘s youngest guests will find endless entertainment with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment hosting many events from holiday crafts, family-friendly movies, game room, outdoor dive-in movies at the pool and a special New Year’s Eve countdown for children.
The celebrations continue through the New Year with delectable holiday dining featuring an array of delicacies and specialty menus and cocktails.
Christmas Eve 4-Course Menu – Tempting discerning palates with a bountiful four-course holiday menu, as well as a limited a la carte menu, paired with a smooth jazz duo at this award winning ocean-view venue.
Christmas Day 4-Course Dinner – Indulge in a bountiful four-course holiday menu, as well as a limited a la carte menu, while enjoying the sounds of a smooth jazz duo and warm ocean breezes.
A Christmas Day Feast – raise your glass as the culinary team presents a lavish holiday buffet with an array of delicacies, highlighted with entertainment by a contemporary Hawaiian soloist and hula dancer.
For an unforgettable beginning to 2015, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua has created several festive celebratory occasions to ring in the New Year.
New Year’s Eve Chef’s Interactive Pa’ina Party – island-inspired tapas at interactive chef stations complemented by Hawaiian music and hula dancing (advance reservations recommended)
New Year’s Eve Dinner at The Banyan Tree – sophisticated fare with four-course menu and select a la carte menu (advance reservations recommended)
New Year’s Eve Countdown Celebration for Children – begins with a fun Keiki Pa’ina party dinner followed by a guided night hike and New Year’s Eve celebration with dancing, games, movies, face painting, snacks and sparkling cider with a fun dessert surprise!
New Year’s Eve Celebration – entertainment featuring a Hawaiian duo and hula dancer followed by a live band
For the ultimate in relaxation this season, The Ritz-Carlton Spa®, Kapalua will feature sweet spa experiences to Jan. 6, 2015. Melt away the holiday stress and indulge with a Festive Holiday Facial, Cinnamon Spice Hot Stone Massage or a Peppermint Pedicure complete with a seasonal treat.
Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver
Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver is Holiday Headquarters, creating a welcoming and fun-filled home for all. Literally steps from a wealth of shopping options, parade routes and community celebrations, Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver is the ideal destination for a winter vacation (or stay-cation) filled with festive flare. Among this year’s holiday activities at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver:
The 28th Annual Festival of Trees has transformed the Hotel’s first and second-floor lobbies into a fabulous winter wonderland. Warm and welcoming, this community favourite showcases Christmas trees creatively decorated by various sponsors to raise funds and awareness for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Running through Jan. 4, 2015, this heart-warming display kicks off Vancouver’s holiday season.
The @bcchf’s #FestivalOfTrees have arrived. Happy #FSHoliday from all of us! #FSFotog
A photo posted by Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (@fsvancouver) on
Dec 12, 2014 at 4:01pm PST
The Festival of Trees event is a must for anyone looking to soak up the holiday spirit and contribute to a worthy cause. All trees will be on display in the lobby of Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and in the Pacific Centre Mall located in downtown Vancouver.
YEW’s classic Christmas Eve Dinner features inviting festive dishes to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Guests can enjoy a three-course holiday feast featuring roasted duck breast, pan seared salmon and braised shortribs as well as choice of soup or salad and dessert.
The next morning is all about family and fun, so leave the wrapping paper on the floor, throw on a favorite holiday sweater and come on over to YEW for a seriously good Christmas Day Brunch Buffet.
Four Seasons Serengeti
Even in the bush of Tanzania, Africa, one can experience the magic of the holidays at the luxury of the Four Seasons Serengeti nestled next to a national animal preserve.
Come dine with us in the Serengeti… #traveltuesday #tt #fstaste #FSFotog #africa #Serengeti
A photo posted by Four Seasons Lodge Serengeti (@fsserengeti) on
Sep 9, 2014 at 12:48pm PDT
On New Year’s Eve, a live seven-piece band followed by a DJ will perform at Maji Bar to welcome in the New Year.
Guests may enjoy a special dinner with the live entertainment at Maji Bar or dine at Boma Grill for a four-course African-inspired menu.
Kids can also join in the holiday fun on New Year’s Eve with the Maasai Olympics from 6 to 7:30 p.m., where they can compete in activities such as spear throwing and battling with rungu wooden sticks, before rejuvenating with a children’s dinner and a screening of the Lion King.