From magical monkey forests to Italian-inspired markets, suites filled with softly-lit candles and so much more, couples, families and friends can all craft their ultimate Christmas, New Year, Tet and Chinese New Year vacations in Asia.
After a long and busy year, the festive season provides the perfect opportunity to relax, recalibrate, reconnect with loved ones, and reminisce on the achievements of the last 12 months. To make this magical season even more unforgettable, couples, families and friends can elevate their end-of-year escapes at some of Asia’s finest hotels and resorts. With stunning suites and villas, creative cuisine, sparkling parties and more, guests can infuse their Christmas, New Year, Tet, and Chinese New Year getaways with the warmth and charm of local hospitality.
Here is a selection of the finest festive experiences available across Asia this holiday season.
Illuminate Your Festive Season @ Sofitel in Asia
Sofitel, the pioneer of French luxury hospitality, invites couples to share moments of serenity this holiday season. Newly launched for 2025, “The Candle Experience” is thoughtfully designed to meet the rising desire for a quieter, more reflective festive period, enveloping travellers’ senses in the magic of light, sound and scent. Rooms and suites will be adorned with hundreds of flickering LED candles, softly bathed in Sofitel’s signature scent and set to the sound of curated playlists.
This is a reimagining of Sofitel’s signature Candle Ritual, a daily ceremony inspired by 1860s Paris where 56,000 oil lamps illuminated the city, giving it the name the “City of Lights.” Now, this tradition has been transformed in a more intimate setting, to offer calm, connection and comfort, while paying homage to the brand’s poetic French heritage.
The Candle Experience is available at several hotels and resorts in Asia, including Sofitel Seoul Ambassador Hotel & Serviced Residences, Sofitel Singapore City Centre, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, for stays commencing in mid-November. Click here to light up your festive season.
Festive Family Escapes @ Centara Hotels & Resorts
The holiday season is a precious time of year to create meaningful memories with the most special people in our lives. This year, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, invites families and couples to infuse their celebrations with the warmth and charm of Thai hospitality in dream destinations all across Asia, from dynamic cities to idyllic islands.
Guests seeking an elevated end-of-year city break can discover glittering gala dinners with 360-degree views at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, while Thailand’s southern charm is brought to life at a choice of tropical beach resorts, from a vibrant carnival at the newly-reimagined Centara Karon Resort Phuket, to the golden glamour of Centara Reserve Samui. At Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya, parents and kids can spend Christmas, New Year or Chinese New Year immersed in a spectacular “Lost World.”
With four original island resorts in the Maldives, family-style themed resorts in Vietnam and Dubai, an urban icon in Osaka and many more, Centara sets the stage for every Asian festive vacation.
Meet the Monkeys @ InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Spanning four distinct levels and 39 hectares of lush jungle on Vietnam’s Son Tra Peninsula, InterContinental Danang, Bill Bensley’s breakout masterpiece, is inspired by the rare primates that can be discovered all around the resort. Throughout the holidays, this original five-star destination invites loved ones to come together and feel the spirit of the forest.
To celebrate its charming neighbours, the resort has crafted a series of immersive culinary journeys at its five restaurants and bars, each hosted by a different monkey! At La Maison 1888, the Michelin-starred fine dining destination, Martin Douc will showcase his refined French heritage, and at Tingara, the sky-high Japanese restaurant, Sato Douc will create contemporary omakase menus. Nguyen Macaque will reveal Vietnam’s authentic regional cuisine at Citron, while Rossi Macaque will present timeless Italian flavours at Terra Mare, and Tran Douc will shake up local cocktails at L_o_n_g Bar.
For guest seeking a truly unforgettable festive vacation, the Four-Bedroom Pool Villa can welcome eight adults and eight kids in 705sqm of living space over two levels, including three private pools, overlooking the shimmering sea.
Lamarck’s Stellar Festive Experiences @ JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa
This Christmas, New Year, Tet, and Chinese New Year, adventure seekers can embark on a personal journey through time and space at JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, the mythical Lamarck University which is nestled between verdant jungles and turquoise seas on Vietnam’s “Pearl Island”.
Having rediscovered a long-lost astronomy project, this former French university will let curious explorers learn about the night sky and chart a new course for the year ahead. At Pink Pearl by Olivier E., the striking pink mansion and French restaurant, Michelin two-star consultant chef Olivier Elzer will present a special festive menu, while the Chanterelle – Spa by JW will align its natural therapies with the rhythm of the universe, and every guest can design their own map of cherished memories.
With a choice of striking pool villas, including the exquisite Turquoise Suite and the legendary Lamarck House, a seven-bedroom white beachfront residence, JW Marriott Phu Quoc will elevate every escape to the stars.
Step Into an Italian Festive Celebration @ La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton
La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton will infuse its festive celebrations with the grace and elegance of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, with a full calendar of festivities, from heavenly high teas and romantic evenings to bountiful buffet dinners and grand gala gatherings.
Couples and families can step inside an authentic Italian Christmas village this December, with sparkling decorations, glittering trees, market stalls and more! Positano Street, Sunset Town’s stylish European avenue, will be transformed into a festive market, lined with stalls showcasing traditional crafts and local street food, transporting all ages into a timeless Mediterranean winter’s tale. A symphony of flavours awaits at The Merchant, the resort’s vibrant restaurant, Mare, the rustic trattoria and Il Salone, Phu Quoc’s first and only artisanal café.
For loved ones who book the Amalfi Ocean View Suite, these dreamy days end with spectacular views of the sunset, Kiss Bridge, and the colourful fireworks which light up the sky every night.