2023 is just months away – it’s time to plan your year-end getaway. We have some luxurious accommodations to recommend for your next holiday.
The Peak’s luxe travel recommendations will guide you through international-branded five-star resorts, eclectic restaurants, and lounges accompanied by world-class wellness, speciality shopping, cultural attractions, and energizing activities. Last but not least, some exciting celebrations for Christmas and New Year’s eve.
Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel, Zambia
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Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel is inviting adventurers to unfurl their wings and take flight in a microlight aircraft high above Victoria Falls – known as the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.
The mesmerizing scenery in great sheets of water cascades noisily down a series of basalt gorges raising an iridescent mist that will amaze you. Hopping into a microlight aircraft offers uninterrupted aerial views of the “smoke that thunders.” And yet – the experience is not ended, with a skilled pilot who will chart a course over the bends of the Zambezi River, weaving between rainbows and pointing out wildlife along its banks before turning several circuits over the Falls themselves. Also, make the most of the river on a breakfast or lunch, sunset safari cruise, and rapid rafting expedition.
Fly high above the Victoria Falls in a Microlight / Instagram
Adrenalin lovers can get their fix by enjoying the rapids firsthand on their raft on the Zambezi River. The Zambezi – widely considered to be one of the best whitewater rafting rivers in the world is aptly named rapids, including “Stairway to Heaven,” “The Terminator,” and “Oblivion” chart a challenging course as guests navigate their way through the vast gorges.
For a calmer experience, guests can opt for a gentle private river cruise with delicious food, spectacular views, and a chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and other wildlife in the surrounding nature reserves.
Anantara Spa
A soothing massage at The Anantara Spa awaits after a long day of exploration, followed by a decadent three-course dinner with wine pairing at the signature restaurant – The Old Drift will be a perfect end to the day.
Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara’s African Adventure Experience has been designed to satisfy thrill seekers, intrepid explorers, and nature lovers alike, with moments of wonderment to treasure for all time. The African Adventure package starts from USD852 per person. Book direct with Anantara Hotels to enjoy exclusive offers, including the addition of a private barbecue dinner for stays of over three nights, and a private Monkey Tree dinner and luxury airport transfers for stays of over five nights (based on two sharing, a 3-night minimum stay required).
JOALI Maldives, Maldives
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JOALI Maldives is truly a hidden gem. It is a magical destination to celebrate the festive season with loved ones in keeping with the holiday spirit. With a selection of 73 impeccably designed water and beach villas, varying from one-bedroom to five-bedroom residences, five gastronomic restaurants and a beautiful ESPA spa, JOALI Maldives has created a three-week festive calendar packed full of unique and memory-lasting experiences for meaningful bonding-time with family and friends.
From 21st December 2022 to the 8th of January 2023, the country’s first and only art-immersive resort – JOALI Maldives is excited to debut its ‘Rejoice of Colours’ pop art-themed festive celebrations, with the art-filled island being vividly decorated in a truly celebratory display.
Three Bedrooms Ocean / JOALI Maldives
Between the weeks, guests will fulfil their stay with a festive-centric schedule by having an exceptional array of creative activities from ocean adventures to glittering parties, art workshops to delectable feasts, and heart-pumping sports to wellness indulgences.
Muramas Kids Club / JOALI Maldives
Here, the Muramasa Kids Club will offer an exceptional array of exciting activities and games for the young ones. Alongside the action-packed adventures, The Kids Club will also host artistic workshops to ignite the creative young minds on the island. Artistic activities will also be included, such as face painting, ‘painting with the Ocean,’ Christmas tree coral painting, tote bag tie-dying, ceramic mug glazing, and culinary-learning cooking classes.
Soake / JOALI Maldives
To create an unforgettable holiday celebration, a wide range of unique culinary experiences will be hosted at JOALI’s Saoke restaurant – an Italian wine dinner at Bellinis, and an Asian-inspired five-course dinner at Vandhoo. Moreover, there will be a mysterious visit from Santa to excite the children and a New Year’s Eve celebration comprising Cocktail Hour and live music.
Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape, Bali
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This December, Buahan is thrilled to unveil its latest collaboration, an exclusive 2-nights nature creative retreat led by Singaporean Botanical Artist, Lucinda Law. The Beauty of Nature Creative Retreat will be taking place from the 7th to the 9th of December offering an impressive range of activities and workshops. Integrating with local culture, the ‘Soul Blessing Journey’ experience invites participants to be adorned in traditional Balinese Costume, before making their own Canang Sari, a small basket of gratitude offerings filled with sacred flowers. Following this, embark on a trek walking to the private waterfall where a Pemangku (priest) will preside over a water blessing, and the life-energizing Creative Restoration workshop awaits.
The calm of the Buahan came as a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of city life to live a different way of being and reawake your soul. From here with Lucinda, you’ll have a chance to frame your nature-inspired artworks utilizing creative tools such as botanical art, travel sketching, reflective journals, and poetry expressions. It aligns with Buahan’s vision and commitment to create immersive experiences, combining human connection and nature to bring harmony from within,” said Puspa Anggareni, Resort Manager at Buahan.
Riverside Jungle Pool Bale / Buahan, A Banyan Tree Escape
At the heart of the Balinese jungle, within the undefiled part of Northern Ubud with glimpses of rice paddies and access to the Ayung River and its great waterfall, sits Buahan, a Banyan Tree Escape, an untapped natural enclave with a unique ‘No Walls, No Doors’ villas concept offering adult-only guests a unique ‘nature-naked’ experience in communion with nature.
“A key takeaway that I hope guests will discover from this retreat and at Buahan, is to be able to learn and feel safe in nature’s surroundings, where nature feels like home within yourself, and cultivate both holistic and practical techniques to connect with nature towards creative inspiration and expression. The retreat programme, ‘nature-naked’ experience and principles upheld by Buahan, come together seamlessly to make this retreat a powerful catalyst for the transformative effects the beauty in nature has on our well-being.” Lucinda Law comments.
This thoughtfully curated itinerary will awaken one’s senses and be present with the beauty of nature when you opt-in for nightly meditation sessions by the bonfire. It is a rare opportunity for connection, contemplation, and expression amid nature, especially one that is well-needed after coming out of a pandemic over the last two years.
CROSSROADS, Maldives
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This is the perfect ime of the year to discover the Indian Ocean’s first and only fully-integrated, multi-island resort destination with an amazing array of five-star accommodations, activities, and attractions.
Since its opening in 2019, CROSSROADS Maldives has been home to an outstanding destination for global explorers seeking a short or extended escape in paradise. Located in the South Malé Atoll just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport, an exceptional collection of recreational facilities and a large marina, all surrounded by powder-soft sands, turquoise lagoons and shimmering seas will be your most audacious destination.
Travellers have a choice of two enticing places to stay, each nestled on its exclusive island and blessed with pristine beaches and warm, shallow seas.
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives
Hard Rock Hotel Maldives
The first Hard Rock hotel in the Indian Ocean is just across the idyllic Emboodhoo Lagoon, this iconic property situated in the Maldives is an upbeat international resort that showcases the spirit of music. Boasting 178 spacious guestrooms, family suites, and overwater villas exclusively on this beautiful island, Hard Rock combines tropical architecture and interiors with regionally-inspired music memorabilia to create unforgettable stays. The ideal location of Hard Rock is directly connected to a wealth of world-class facilities at The Marina and Maldives Discovery Centre.
SAii Lagoon Maldives
SAii Lagoon Maldives
Following a recent transformation, the resort has revealed a selection of new one-bedroom Junior Pool Suites, which features stunning timber decks and mosaic-tiled pools, with direct access into the crystalline waters of the lagoon – perfect for couples and honeymooners. In addition, an infinity pool and a fitness space are provided for relaxation and recharge. At the same time, unique culinary concepts include Miss Olive Oyl, the vibrant Mediterranean seafood grill and bar, and Mr. Tomyam, which serves Thai-inspired cuisine with an open kitchen and outdoor deck.
Baur Au Lac, Zurich
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From a festive-themed Afternoon Tea to an indulgent Thanksgiving turkey feast to their famous Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and homemade Baur au Lac gifts – the team is excited for all their beloved traditions to return once more this festive season. In addition, their iconic Chalet au Lac returns to the park with not one, but two, cosy alpine chalets for delightful seasonal dining with family, friends, and business partners.
