Dubbed the most wonderful time of the year, Christmas is a holiday that builds special memories of your family at home. However, sometimes it’s nice to get away and experience a luxury Christmas holiday. What better time than to escape to a luxury cottage? Whether you opt for mountains or oceans , we’ve found cottages that will help create some of your favorite holiday memories.
Dunton Hot Springs
The only Colorado resort to win a Condé Nast Traveler Gold List Award is Dunton Hot Springs in Dolores. They also have additional properties that include Dunton River Camp in Cresto Ranch and Dunton Town House in Telluride. Together these should be on everyone’s must-visit list whether for the holidays or not. But the hot springs location will make a holiday dream. Activities include a spa, gym, yoga, pilates, heli-skiing, dog-sledding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, back-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and also ice climbing. One of the highlights – especially in the winter – is, of course, the hot springs. Dunton says:
Our springs are of the calcium bicarbonate type with a strong concentration of dissolved iron and manganese and a little dash of lithium.
You will of course enjoy top notch dining is in the Saloon with Executive Chef Basil Yu. Daily menus capitalize on local and regional ingredients. One more bonus of booking a cottage at Dunton Hot Springs is that they’re in close proximity to one of Colorado’s premier wineries – Sutcliffe Vineyards. Sutcliffe is Dunton’s sister property and is just an hour and a half drive away. It’s the perfect outing for a day trip.
Post Ranch Inn
Not looking for a white Christmas? Try a snow-free, ocean view Christmas holiday at Post Ranch Inn. Modern, yet cozy with sweeping ocean views and fireplaces. You will also find the peace that can only come from hearing those Pacific Ocean waves crashing into the California coastline. The Post Ranch Inn is currently accessible via helicopter but even when Highway 1 is repaired, the helicopter may be the best way to get there! You’ll spend your days in the spa, by the pool (yes, even in December), or exploring the ranch. You can also try participating in one of the ranch’s complimentary offerings that include everything from a gourmet buffet breakfast, edible tour of the chef’s garden, guided nature walks, star gazing, art talks, and more. Then, in the evening, retire to your holiday escape, your private cottage. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that you’ll need to pack light since you’ll be arriving via helicopter, so this may be the year of the gift card!
Ropehawn
A Daphne Du Maurier heaven and writers’ paradise perched on the water’s edge with fabulous views across St Austell Bay. Ropehawn is a seriously special seaside house surrounded by Cornish woodland.
Imagine including that on your invitations to your Christmas getaway. Who could resist? Go all out and arrive by yacht, as the property has its own deep water mooring. Aside from its idyllic setting, once you enter the cottage, you’ll realize you’ve found that place people imagine when talking about an English cottage. Featuring a Farrow & Ball coastal palate in a vintage style with soft creamy fabrics perfect for those cozy, chilly winter nights. This property is perfect for a family Christmas holiday as it sleeps eight. Visit Boutique Retreats to book Ropehawn.
Tremanon
Tremanon is near Trebarwith Strand, Cornwall and is a stone barn with panoramic views of the coastline on rolling farmlands. Featuring geothermally heated floors, this cottage is a blend of cozy with luxury. Perfect for couples or a small family (the cottage sleeps four), Tremanon may be the best place for a romantic Christmas holiday. It’s very private with all the amenities of home including a full entertainment system. Watch your favorite Christmas movies and also listen to your favorite Christmas tunes. It’s not so isolated, though, that you have to miss out on anything. It’s close enough to one of the UK’s favorite foodie destinations that you’ll have several options for dining from pub fare to fine dining. Visit Boutique Retreats to book Tremanon.
At which cottage will you spend your Christmas? Will you opt for hot springs or ocean views here in the US? Will you venture overseas for some English charm? When making your plans, you may want to include seeing The Nutcracker Ballet: A Must See Classic – particularly for the holidays!
