Where to travel in December: Eight extraordinary destinations for the perfect year-end escape

Paris: for timeless elegance and festive charm

December transforms Paris into a living snow globe of illuminated boulevards, glittering window displays and aromatic Christmas markets. The Champs-Élysées becomes a river of light, while the scent of vin chaud and roasted chestnuts fills the crisp air. This is Paris at its most romantic, when locals and visitors alike embrace the joie de vivre of the festive season.

Positioned a short walk from the Arc de Triomphe, the Hotel Le Royal Monceau offers Parisian grandeur. Philippe Starck's visionary design blends classic architecture with bold modern artistry, creating spaces that feel both timeless and cutting-edge. The hotel's private cinema, fine dining restaurants and spectacular spa provide many reasons to stay indoors, though Paris' treasures - from the Louvre to the Luxembourg Gardens - await outside. December's cold temperatures are ideal for museum exploration, fewer crowds at major attractions and the magic of Parisian shop windows dressed for the season.

Miami: for art and tropical sunshine

While northern cities bundle up, Miami basks in perfect beach weather, with daytime temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius. December marks the beginning of Miami's social season, when Art Basel Miami Beach transforms the city into a global contemporary art destination and the subtropical climate delivers endless blue skies and warm ocean breezes.

1 Hotel South Beach exemplifies sustainable luxury on a long stretch of beachfront in Miami Beach. Reclaimed wood, living walls and natural materials create an environment where barefoot elegance meets environmental consciousness. Oceanfront pools, a beach‑bed and cabana set‑up and farm-to-table dining establish both a destination and sanctuary. December in Miami is a particularly good time for alfresco dining, beautiful beach days without the summer humidity and a lively cultural calendar that includes world-class art fairs, outdoor concerts and yacht-filled marinas buzzing with activity.

Abu Dhabi: for an alternative to Dubai

It's no secret that Dubai is popular for December holidays but head to neighbouring state Abu Dhabi and you can have just as much fun, without the crowds. December delivers Abu Dhabi's finest weather - sunny days averaging 24°C, low humidity and cool evenings perfect for outdoor activities. The Emirates' capital combines futuristic architecture with deep cultural heritage. Here you can find experiences from the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the adrenaline rush of Ferrari World.

Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental exudes regal luxury with 394 rooms and suites, marble‑clad bathrooms and 24‑hour butler service. Under hundreds of ornate domes and sparkling chandeliers, world‑class dining spans across multiple cuisines, while tranquil gardens, a full‑service spa and expansive leisure facilities invite indulgence. December brings gentle coastal breezes, perfect for beachfront dining, outdoor relaxation and exploration of the city’s cultural and architectural highlights.

Val d'Isère: for alpine beauty in peak season

December brings Val d'Isère to life as one of Europe's top ski destinations opens for the season. Its reliable early snow coverage and world-class terrain spanning France and Italy through the Espace Killy ski area attract discerning skiers from around the globe. With its sophisticated village atmosphere, this is also alpine luxury at its finest - where Olympic-grade slopes meet Michelin-starred dining.

Airelles Val d'Isère stands as a monument to alpine glamour, reimagining 1950s ski lodge elegance through a contemporary lens. Fur throws, vintage photographs and après-ski lounges lit by firelight create an atmosphere of nostalgic romance, while modern spa facilities and gourmet restaurants ensure every contemporary comfort. The ski-in/ski-out access means you're on the slopes within moments, and the property's après-ski scene - complete with live music and champagne - captures the social energy that defines Val d'Isère's appeal. December offers first tracks on pristine slopes, festive village celebrations and the particular magic of Alpine Christmas markets dusted with fresh snow.

Rio de Janeiro: for summer samba and a New Year's Eve to remember

December ushers in Rio's summer season, when Cariocas flock to Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and the city pulses with pre-New Year's Eve energy. Temperatures climb into the high 20s Celsius, tropical showers refresh the landscape and the spectacular backdrop of rainforest-covered mountains meeting Atlantic Ocean creates one of the world's most dramatic urban settings.

Set on the sands of Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana Beach, the Belmond Copacabana Palace is an Art Deco landmark, where you can experience timeless glamour and modern comfort. With refined rooms and suites that open to sea views or elegant interiors, the hotel hosts a Michelin‑starred restaurant (Mee), the celebrated Pérgula for relaxed pool‑side dining and one of the most glamorous pools in the city. Here, you can enjoy beach access with dedicated service, a rooftop tennis court, a luxury spa and saloon, and a stunning lobby and ballroom that have welcomed generations of celebrated guests.

Bali: for culture and celebration

Although December falls in Bali’s wet season, the island hardly slows down. Warm tropical showers roll through, leaving the air fresh and the landscapes impossibly green. The island's spiritual heart beats strongest during this period, with numerous temple ceremonies and cultural celebrations providing glimpses into Bali's Hindu traditions while beaches, rice terraces and volcanic peaks showcase nature at its most photogenic.

The Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay features traditional thatched‑roof villas scattered across landscaped tropical gardens, each with a private plunge pool and indoor‑outdoor living spaces that open onto Bali’s lush surroundings. The resort’s Sundara restaurant and beach club provide beachfront dining and sunset views, while the spa incorporates Balinese design and treatments inspired by local wellness traditions. During a stay, you can enjoy on‑site cultural experiences, water activities and curated tours, with the resort’s commitment to authentic Balinese hospitality creating an immersive and luxurious stay.

The Bahamas: for Caribbean paradise at its peak

December marks the beginning of the Bahamas' dry season, when trade winds moderate temperatures and rainfall becomes scarce. The archipelago's legendary turquoise waters, among the clearest on Earth, become even more inviting, and the festive Junkanoo celebrations begin building towards their Christmas and New Year's climax.

The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort sits on Paradise Island's finest stretch of beach and is home to Versailles-inspired gardens and a championship golf course. Multiple pools, a world-class spa and water sports from the resort's beach set the stage for effortless Caribbean days. December combines ideal weather with seasonal festivities, including the uniquely Bahamian Junkanoo tradition, which features vibrant parades with elaborate costumes, goatskin drums, and cowbells that transform the streets of Downtown Nassau into rivers of colour and sound primarily on Boxing Day and New Year's Day.

Cape Town: for a Southern Hemisphere city star

December marks the beginning of Cape Town's spectacular summer season, when the city's dramatic geography - Table Mountain, pristine beaches and the meeting point of two oceans - becomes even more magnetic. Long daylight hours, warm temperatures and minimal rainfall create ideal conditions for exploring vineyards, hiking trails and coastal drives that rank among the world's most scenic.

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel has defined Cape Town hospitality since 1899, its distinctive pink façade and manicured gardens creating an oasis in the city centre. Recent renovations have refreshed this grande dame whilst preserving its heritage charm - from afternoon tea on the terrace to elegant rooms that blend period character with modern comfort. With Table Mountain as backdrop and the V&A Waterfront, beaches and Winelands all within easy reach, the Mount Nelson serves as the ideal base for summer exploration.