Believe it or not, the holiday season is upon us and this year instead of racking up presents, give your friends and family the gift of a travel experience for lasting memories. From your foodie friend to the wine lover and even trips for the adventure enthusiast, please consider the below list of recommended trips and experiences to gift this holiday season:
For the Foodie Friend:
- Up Norway’s new 14-day Culinary Discovery Route offers unparalleled access to Norway’s gastronomic secrets, and it’s perfectly tailored for those looking to indulge in world-class dining while exploring Norway’s stunning natural landscapes. The itinerary is a blend of MICHELIN-starred dining, artisanal hidden gems, and immersive culinary adventures that take foodies deep into Norway’s culinary heritage. Imagine private sea-foraging expeditions, hands-on cooking sessions with a Bocuse d’Or World Champion, tastings of ocean-aged whisky on a remote island, and an extraordinary expedition dining experience at the iconic Iris/Salmon Eye floating restaurant.
- SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites has launched a gastronomic experience for guests in Mendoza, Argentina with its Mendoza Foodie Tour. Curated by the luxury boutique hotel’s co-founder Ana Lovaglio Balbo and head chef, Flavia Amad, this new experience promises an immersive journey into the region’s culinary scene complemented by the region’s top wines, including those from the country’s first female enologist and SB Winemaker’s House co-founder Susana Balbo. Meals at local restaurants, tours of Mendoza suppliers and farms, visits to local markets, cooking classes, a 14-course chef table dinner, aged and vintage wine tastings, and accommodations at the wine and wellness focused boutique hotel are on tap.
- Continuing its commitment to excellence in culinary offerings, the Cocina de Autor restaurants in the Grand Velas Los Cabos and Grand Velas Riviera Maya have received one MICHELIN star each in the inaugural MICHELIN Guide to Mexico. Dinner at both restaurants is included in the all-inclusive resorts’ nightly rate making the resorts premier spots for food loving travelers.
For the Wellness Enthusiast:
- Up Norway’s 15-day Nordic Wellness Journey through Scandinavia explores sustainable destinations in Gothenburg, Bergen, and Copenhagen. This curated trip includes Nordic wellness practices, unique gastronomic experiences, mental and physical activities, and sleep therapy. Travelers enjoy the tranquil landscapes of Norway, a rail journey through UNESCO heritage-protected fjords, and coastal wellness in the Island Kingdom of Austevoll.
- Recognizing the importance of restorative rest, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit has curated a four-night retreat designed to elevate sleep quality, reduce stress, and nurture overall well-being. At the heart of this journey lies a pioneering sleep therapy treatment featuring the innovative SNOOZ technology. Just 26 minutes of this conciliatory therapy enhances rest and elevates cognitive performance by up to 34%. Coupled with warm pillows, personalized aromatherapy, and gentle massage techniques, this session promises to transport guests to a realm of relaxation. From there, guests can immerse themselves in the healing powers of sound therapy and guided meditation as expert practitioners guide them towards inner peace and harmony. Throughout the stay, guests also have unlimited access to the award-winning hydrotherapy circuit at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit’s SE Spa including herbal steam and sauna sessions and a blissful multi-jet Swiss shower.
- A stay at SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites allows guests to indulge in massages, body treatments, aromatherapy, and more vino therapeutic wellness rituals guided by the in-house Wellness Butler. The only hotel in Latin America with integrated spa features, the suites feature in-room spa services, including steam rooms, sensations showers, locally made bath amenities, and curated wine fridges. With turn-down services and private gardens, SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites provides a luxurious and holistic wellness escape. The property recently debuted a new yerba mate spa treatment, a revitalizing experience that highlights the potent antioxidants and natural energy-boosting properties of the iconic South American brew. The 75-minute in-suite treatment includes a yerba mate exfoliation, warm shower, yerba mate mask, soft vegetal fiber body wrap, and hot shower. Concluding the treatment, guests will find a tray with a mate service ready to enjoy in their suite, along with a prepared bathtub to extend their wellness moment.
For the Wine Lover:
- SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites in Mendoza, designed by pioneering Argentine winemaker Susana Balbo, provides an array of unique wine experiences, including wine pairing, ultra-premium wine tastings, vinotherapeutic spa treatments, and custom blending classes. Additionally, the hotel now offers custom wine itineraries personally curated by Balbo along with her son José Lovaglio Balbo and daughter Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
- Grand Velas Boutique Los Cabos, promises a luxury adults-only sanctuary with an expansive wine selection inspired by the proximity to Mexico’s fine wine region. A part of the ongoing activity program, a Mexican Wine & Cheese Pairing, included in the nightly rate, showcases regional cheeses paired with Mexican wines like Casa Madero Shiraz and Tres Raices Rose.
- A stay at Hotel Supetar in Cavtat, just south of Dubrovnik, comes complete with access to its inviting Wine Bar with a fine selection of local and international wines, emphasizing the indigenous Dubrovacka Malvasija.
For the Art & Culture Aficionado:
- Hotel Excelsior in Dubrovnik adds a historic touch to the holiday with its prime location in the heart of the ancient city, allowing guests to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Dubrovnik.
- At Casa Velas, Puerto Vallarta’s adults-only boutique hotel, travelers have a rare opportunity to connect with Mexico’s deep spirit heritage. The “Raicilla Roots” experience is a unique dive into raicilla—one of the country’s oldest and most distinctive spirits—taking guests into the heart of Jalisco’s agave fields for an intimate look at its production. During the tour, guests will explore Aycya’s, an up and coming local raicilla producer, wild agave fields in La Estancia, where raicilla’s rich history, artisanal craftsmanship, and the dedication of local producers shine through. A highlight is that the adventure begins and ends with a scenic journey through the Sierra Madre mountains in a Jeep, as guests make their way to the agave fields.
- Up Norway has teamed up with Kistefos Museum for an exclusive journey into art, architecture, and Norwegian heritage, offering private access to the cultural hub near Oslo. The experience includes a private tour of the museum and sculpture park led by Senior Curator Kate Smith, featuring works by artists like Yayoi Kusama and Anish Kapoor, along with a new site-specific sculpture by Tatiana Trouvé. The highlight is ‘The Twist,’ a stunning gallery and architectural marvel over the Randselva river, where travelers enjoy a four-course meal and a performance of “Serenity,” inspired by the Norwegian landscape.
- Hotel Supetar in Cavtat, Croatia houses SupetART, a artist-in-residence program at the boutique hotel. A monthly rotation of both local and national artists, SupetART transforms Hotel Supetar’s communal spaces into a month-long interactive pop-up gallery. Curated in partnership with esteemed Croatian art consultancy agency SHPIGL, the exhibition provides a platform for travelers to engage with artists and immerse themselves into Croatian culture. Each event kicks-off with an opening reception and informal discussion with the artist.
For the Outdoor/Nature Adventurer:
- Ski enthusiasts will enjoy Up Norway’s “Ski and Sail Journey,” exploring the Sunnmore Alps with guided summit-to-fjord runs and a private boat trip around Hjørundfjord, showcasing the stunning Norwegian winter landscape.
- SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites’ “Mendoza Through the Elements” experience allows discerning travelers to immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage through curated adventures inspired by the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. Blending wine, wellness, gastronomy, and culture—the cornerstones of the hotel’s hospitality philosophy—the package provides a profound connection to the region’s essence. Each natural element is brought to life through thoughtfully designed activities.
- Up Norway also offers another bespoke itinerary for soft adventure: The Wild Varanger Immersion. This exclusive eight-day journey invites travelers to venture through Norway’s captivating northernmost landscapes, encounter vibrant wildlife, and immerse themselves in the rich local Sami culture. The Sami are an indigenous people of the Norwegian Arctic, known for their unique cultural heritage, traditional reindeer herding, and deep connection to the natural environment. From water based wildlife safaris and serene reindeer encounters to authentic Sami-guided experiences and luxuriously remote lodge stays, this adventure promises a distinctive blend of unparalleled nature and culture.
For the Whole Family:
- Those looking to give a gift for the whole family can book an activity packed getaway at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit who recently launched their new Suite Stars Camp Experience, promising to leave families starry-eyed as the resort transforms the terrace of the luxurious Family Residence Suite into a magical starlit campsite. The experience includes an over-the-top in-suite stargazing setup with cozy teepees adorned with fairy lights, galaxy-themed cookies, and a high-quality telescope for an unforgettable night under the stars. A professional astronomer guides guests through the wonders of the universe, showcasing constellations such as Sagittarius, Scorpius, and the Summer Triangle. Parents can relax and indulge in a bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne and a gourmet cheese board while a nanny service engages the little ones.
- Up Norway invites families to discover the enchanting landscapes that inspired the film on the sustainable luxury travel curator’s Frozen Fairytale Journey. On the tenth anniversary of the film, this specially crafted 6-day journey not only brings the fairytale world to life but also provides an opportunity to connect with Norway’s rich culture. Travelers can immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscapes that inspired the film, from majestic fjords to snow-covered mountains, and encounter the indigenous Sami people, the real-life inspiration behind the Northuldra in Frozen.
- HomeExchange Collection, an exclusive community for like-minded travelers to meet, share, and exchange their luxury homes. It’s an ideal option for family travel as it offers family fun activities and kid-friendly holidays at a fraction of the cost. One of the real luxuries for members of the HomeExchange Collection is the possibility to feel at home anywhere in the world in luxury homes with character. HomeExchange Collection features homes in different countries, from Argentina to Indonesia, ranging from penthouses in global cities and centuries-old castles to wilderness retreats. Another superior benefit to other home exchange programs is the possibility to uncover unique local culture and customs from host members who offer unparalleled pre-arrival advice for authentic travel experiences.
For the Four-legged Companion:
- Tail-wagging adventures await for a pup at Mar del Cabo with the hotel’s Pampered Pooch Package. This three-night offering features deluxe accommodations in the Penthouse Suite, personalized pet concierge services, a special pet menu for chef-prepared meals, sunset picnic, dog-sitting services, and more. Mar del Cabo’s warm welcome for furry friends begins upon arrival with pet-friendly transportation from the airport to the hotel where pets are then greeted with a special welcome amenity and a cozy bed, bowl, and toys.
