Where to Spend Christmas: Snow or Sunshine? You Choose!

Between paradise beaches, turquoise lagoons and snow-capped peaks, Christmas holidays offer more than one picture-perfect setting! From Mauritius to Saint-Barthélemy, via Megève, La Rosière and Évian, here are five destinations for a festive escape. Expect four- and five-star hotels, divine spas, delicious dining, ski slopes and beautiful waterfront addresses. Eight character-filled hotels for a magical break, whether you prefer sunshine or snow, without compromising on comfort.

For many years now, Mauritius has been attracting an ever-growing crowd of visitors—and for good reason. There is barely any time difference, the weather is pleasant (almost) all year round, the sea is warm, the people are welcoming and there is a wide choice of hotels. Not to mention must-see excursions, such as a visit to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden to admire its lily ponds and giant tortoise enclosure…

La Maison 20 Degrés Sud: a hidden gem off the beaten track

We love the understated charm of this discreet address, a member of Relais & Châteaux, tucked between Grand Baie and Pointe aux Canonniers. Its name is a nod to the 20th parallel south, which crosses the island. This five-star boutique hotel occupies a charming colonial house set within a coconut grove on the waterfront. The 29 rooms and seven suites (ranging from 25 to 100 sq. m), each one different and renovated in 2025, have an elegant look built around white walls, soft neutral tones and furniture by Flamant Home. We fell for the four Suites Australes, ranging from 80 to 100 sq. m, right by the water, with a private pool on the ground floor and a jacuzzi in the upstairs suites. Guests can choose from three restaurants. At L’Atlas, chef Sanjeev Purahoo’s menu celebrates Mauritian produce and local flavours. For a special experience, don't turn down dinner at La Table du Chef, with its surprise menu inspired by the season. The spa features three treatment rooms, including a double room, a hammam and a sauna. Two heated pools maintained at 28°C add a final touch of glamour.

For a truly different experience, book a dinner cruise aboard the M/S Lady Lisbeth—a timeless moment on the water. Built in 1927, this wooden boat is the oldest in Mauritius and once welcomed Queen Elizabeth. Every evening, it takes eight guests out to sea for dinner.

The plus: Grand Baie, a shopper’s paradise, is just a stone’s throw from the hotel!

La Maison 20 Degrés Sud, Coastal Road, Pointe Malartic, Grand Baie, 230, Mauritius

Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort

Head south to the island’s most unspoilt coastline for a complete change of scenery. Set on a long golden-sand beach in the heart of the Domaine de Bel Ombre, a former 2,500-hectare sugar plantation bordering a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this five-star all-inclusive hotel has nearly 160 rooms and suites overlooking the lagoon, with contemporary décor and African influences. But the real star here is golf, with two championship courses. First up is Le Château, an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Peter Matkovich, nestled between green hills and the lagoon. It has been named the Indian Ocean’s best course several times and hosts the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open, a DP World Tour event. Ideal for players of all abilities, the Indian Ocean’s first Golfzon Leadbetter Academy offers programmes for children and families. La Réserve Golf Links, the second course, opened in late 2023 and was co-designed by Matkovich and Open champion Louis Oosthuizen. The Indian Ocean’s first contemporary links course, it winds across former sugar-cane fields replanted with native grasses, with rolling fairways, challenging bunkers and the ocean as its backdrop. A thoughtful touch: this exceptional course is reserved for club members and guests staying at Heritage hotels.

Between rounds, head to the spa to unwind in its 3,000 sq. m dedicated to treatments and wellbeing (jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, various pools…). Or book dinner at Château de Bel Ombre, a 19th-century colonial residence.

The plus: the Premium All Inclusive package includes one round at La Réserve Golf Links, with a GPS-equipped golf cart and refreshments halfway through the course.

Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort, Domaine de Bel Ombre, Coastal Road, Bel Ombre, Mauritius

A picture-perfect village in the heart of the Mont Blanc massif, Megève has plenty to offer both sports lovers and those who prefer a leisurely stroll. Skiing options are varied, from downhill slopes and snowparks to cross-country trails linking up with La Giettaz. The pedestrianised centre, with its cobbled medieval streets, is lined with one tempting boutique and restaurant after another.

Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois

A little history: after the First World War, Noémie de Rothschild, keen to rival St. Moritz, bought hundreds of hectares on Mont d’Arbois in Megève and founded the Société Française des Hôtels de Montagne. The magnificent Hôtel du Mont d’Arbois, now a hotel residence, opened in 1920, attracting royalty and celebrities of all kinds. In 1927, the Chalet Noémie, designed for the family, was inaugurated. Today, it is one of three chalets, alongside Chalet Ève, the largest (opened in 1970), which houses the bar, restaurant, spa, 25 rooms and suites, and Chalet Alice (opened in 2005). Together, they make up a five-star hotel with 40 rooms, including eight suites, most of them with terraces. This legendary property, owned by Edmond de Rothschild Heritage, is close to the Mont d’Arbois gondola, which provides access to the Espace Evasion ski area and its 445 km of slopes. The chalets stay true to their mountain roots: plenty of wood, exposed beams, fireplaces, cosy rugs… as well as numerous artworks from the Rothschild collections. The spa, spanning 1,000 sq. m, has three treatment rooms, including a double room, a relaxation area, a sauna and a hammam. Treatments feature Austrian brand Susanne Kaufmann, whose formulas are made with active ingredients sourced in the Alps. At Restaurant Héritage, headed by chef Jordan Mathieu, the menu showcases local flavours and generous sharing plates—light eaters, beware! Think thyme-roasted farmhouse Reblochon, garlic-cheese toast, cured meats and cheeses from the Savoie region…

The plus: a heated indoor-outdoor swimming pool with mountain views.

Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, 447 Chemin de la Rocaille, 74120 Megève

Hôtel Lodge Park

The first big plus of this five-star hotel, part of the Maisons et Hôtels Sibuet collection, is its prime location right in the centre of Megève. It is ideally placed near the Chamois gondola and the village’s lovely boutiques. The hotel underwent a complete renovation, finished in December 2025. The communal areas have the feel of a Canadian cabin, with antler furniture and tables made from sequoia trunks. The 29 rooms and suites feature distressed leather, wooden logs, dark stone, tartan fabrics and Ralph Lauren pieces. The highlight? The 43-sq. m Lodge Cabin, on the fifth and top floor beneath the eaves, with exposed beams and a sloping ceiling. It offers an uninterrupted view of the village and its bell tower. Meat lovers will be delighted by Beef Lodge, renowned for the quality and variety of its cuts. And don't skip the truffle mash or truffle fries to go with them—absolutely divine! The spa is another winning feature, with 11 treatment spaces: three multi-purpose rooms, one duo room, a flotation bed, cryotherapy, a hyperbaric chamber… plus a 12-metre heated indoor pool. Treatments are overseen by the hotel’s own brand, Pure Altitude.

The plus: opening in December 2026, Chalet du Lodge. This 450-sq. m chalet is designed to feel like a family home, set in the hotel grounds and sleeping up to 10 guests in five bedrooms, including a 60-sq. m Master Suite. It also features a large living room, a 10-metre swimming pool, a gym, a massage room, a sauna and a hammam. There is integrated parking, as well as direct access to the hotel through the grounds.

Lodge Park, 100 rue d’Arly, 74120 Megève

A tiny 25-sq. km island, Saint-Barthélemy, better known as Saint-Barth, is a dream destination surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. This French island in the Lesser Antilles was discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, who named it after his brother Bartolomeo. But it really took off in 1957, when David Rockefeller bought an estate in Colombier… From then on, the island became an exclusive yet unspoilt holiday destination.

Le Manapany Hotel & Spa

This eco-conscious five-star hotel, Green Key-certified and part of the B Signature group, brings together everything we love: nature, wellbeing and warm hospitality. Set on Anse des Cayes beach, it has 43 rooms, suites and villas, some right on the beach. Interior designer François Champsaur has given them a distinctly Creole look, with bright shades of ultramarine blue, lemon balm green, turmeric yellow and chilli red. We also love the handcrafted furniture and the bathrobes and towels made from bamboo fibre. The local spirit carries through to both restaurants. Rockies, an open-air dining room, boasts superb views. At Sandy Beach, tables sit right on the sand beside the water. The menu features the catch of the day and local specialities made with regional produce, aromatic herbs, and fruit and vegetables partly grown in the hotel garden. At the poolside bar, sip a cocktail as evening falls… Speaking of pools, there are two at the hotel, one of which is adults-only. At the spa, enjoy a wide range of treatments by Dr. Hauschka, before or after a yoga and/or Pilates session.

The plus: activities on offer include surf lessons and snorkelling trips.

Manapany, Anse des Cayes, 97 133 Saint-Barthélemy

Gyp Sea Hotel and its villas

The Sibuet family changed direction after the Alps and the south of France, setting their sights on Saint-Barth. The result? Gyp Sea Hotel, perched above Colombier and overlooking Flamands Beach. This five-star property features décor by Jocelyne Sibuet, with an ethnic, tropical feel. Its 22 bungalows and three villas—one with a jacuzzi (118 sq. m) and two with private pools (225 sq. m each)—are dressed in whitewashed wood, rattan armchairs and sofas with bright cushions, floral fabric headboards and mother-of-pearl chests of drawers. Each has its own veranda, where you can relax on a swing seat and take in the view. At Pool Side Break, the food is fresh and colourful: sweet potato fritters, cucumber raita, sea urchin tarama and fish. For dinner, head to La Table du Chef for standout dishes such as lobster and Wagyu beef, or even a whole meal dedicated to truffles. At the heart of the tropical garden, Bar Plantation serves a carefully curated selection of some of the Caribbean’s finest rums. The garden spa has two treatment rooms offering a range of treatments inspired by nature and Caribbean traditions. Other thoughtful touches include a gym and yoga platforms in the garden.

The plus: just a few minutes from the hotel, right on the beach, GypSea Beach Club has a bohemian-chic atmosphere. It is the perfect spot to kick back with your feet in the sand, enjoy fusion cuisine and, once the sun goes down, dance and party! Those looking to stay there can book its pool villas for a fun-filled holiday on the shores of the famous Saint-Jean Beach.

Gyp Sea Hotel and its villas, Colombier Hill, 97133 Saint-Barthélemy

With its 1950s postcard looks, La Rosière, in the heart of the Tarentaise valley, evokes a time before concrete took over certain ski resorts. It has plenty going for it: perched at an altitude of 1,850 metres, it enjoys exceptional snow cover, while its south-facing slopes guarantee maximum sunshine. Add 154 km of slopes and access to the Franco-Italian Espace San Bernardo ski area, open to all levels, and you have all the ingredients for a brilliant stay!

I.L.Y Hotel

Why I.L.Y.? Quite simply, the initials stand for “I Love You”! This four-star hotel has the look of a chalet and 68 spacious rooms, including 22 suites ranging from 56 to 137 sq. m. Most have terraces overlooking the valley. The contemporary décor mixes mountain-inspired touches—vintage sledges on the walls, oak logs used as coffee tables and old mountain photographs—with modern design. A smart choice: the 58-sq. m family suites, which sleep up to four people and feature a large bedroom, a second bedroom with bunk beds and a living room with a sofa bed. There are also duplex suites and a 137-sq. m Prestige Suite with three bedrooms. Younger guests are well looked after, too: the House of Kids welcomes children aged 4 to 12 from 3 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. during French school holidays. The hotel’s vast upper-level space houses the bar, a cosy lounge with generous banquette seating around a fireplace, and Bonami restaurant—“lovers” in the Savoyard dialect. The chef serves up a well-crafted and varied menu. The new evening restaurant, Le Mazot, is a hit with fans of Savoyard cuisine and generous portions: fondue, raclette, tartiflette and traditional French onion soup all take centre stage. Finally, a 420-sq. m spa, all wood and glass, features three treatment rooms, a sauna, a hammam, a 16-metre swimming pool and three hot tubs. Treatments use products by Nuxe.

The plus: from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., head to bar Sb for après-ski treats, pastries and hot chocolate.

I.L.Y Hôtels La Rosière, 227 route des Eucherts, 73 700 La Rosière - Montvalezan

Famous for the benefits of its mineral water, Évian, nestled along the shores of Lake Geneva, is a popular spa destination. It also makes a convenient base for skiing: the Portes du Soleil resorts are just 45 minutes away, while the family-friendly resorts of Thollon-les-Mémises and Bernex are only 15 minutes from the hotel.

Hôtel Royal Evian Resort

Perched 450 metres above Lake Geneva, with the Alps on its doorstep and set in the heart of a vast park, Hôtel Royal was named in honour of King Edward VII of England—even though he never actually set foot inside. When it opened in 1909, it was considered the most beautiful hotel in the world. Today, this five-star property, proudly bearing the highly coveted Palace distinction, has 150 rooms (starting at 27 sq. m), including 32 suites. Some, such as the 43-sq. m family rooms, can accommodate four guests. Renovated around ten years ago by architects François Champsaur and François Châtillon, it blends Belle Époque character with thoroughly contemporary elegance. Dining is a major attraction, with three restaurants led by chef Patrice Vander: Les Fresques, a Michelin-starred restaurant since 2018; La Véranda, a chic brasserie overlooking the lake and mountains; and L’Oliveraie, the place to be on sunny days beside the pool. Another major highlight is the magnificent, expansive Spa Evian Source. Covering more than 1,700 sq. m, it features 24 treatment rooms, a sauna, hammam, whirlpool bath, cold plunge, snow cave, hydro-contact circuit, fitness room and hair salon. Its signature treatments and rituals are inspired by the mineral water cycle.

The plus: the Kid’s Club welcomes children aged three and up, and organises tennis and padel camps during school holidays, as well as ski outings with instructors from the ESF (French Ski School).

Hôtel Royal, 960, avenue du Léman, 74500 Évian-les-Bains