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Here Are Five Great Destinations To Celebrate The Holidays

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Embark on a festive journey with The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts, where enchanting experiences await in Amsterdam's winter wonderland, Madrid's vibrant Christmas fiestas, Rome's artistic celebration, Phuket's Thai-European fusion market, and Bali's rich cultural feasts. Uncover the magic with these exclusive 'December Discovery' packages, blending luxury, local delights, and seasonal festivities. Check out these 5 great holiday escapes.

The Pavilions Amsterdam, The Toren

A short stroll away from The Pavilions Amsterdam, The Toren, the legendary Amsterdam Christmas Market in Museumplein is a winter wonderland where visitors can admire the Christmas decorations, browse for stocking stuffers, and tuck into poffertjes (Dutch pancakes) and warming bisschopswijn (mulled wine).

The Kerstmis spirit lights up the dark December nights as one of the city’s biggest events, the Amsterdam Light Festival, sees illuminated Dutch and international artworks displayed across the city. Set within two 17th-century former merchant houses on the Keizersgracht canal, around the corner from the ‘Negen Straatjes’ shopping district, The Pavilions Amsterdam, The Toren is the perfect base from which to experience a Dutch Christmas. The hotel’s ‘December Discovery’ package includes a special two-course dinner menu by neighbouring restaurant Black & Blue; a complimentary festive welcome drink in The Lounge Bar; and daily breakfast.

The Pavilions Phuket

For travellers craving warmer climes but reluctant to forgo the trappings of a traditional Christmas, The Pavilions Phuket will host a Thai take on the classic European Christmas market on 10 December - complete with vendors selling German glühwein and bratwurst, DIY gingerbread house workshops and artisans showcasing handmade products and unique gifts – with a share of the proceeds going to local charity The Good Shepherd.

Clifftop signature ALTO Italian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar will also be serving three-course Italian festive feasts atop one of Phuket’s highest peaks. The exquisite menu by executive chef Pietro Mangani includes a starter of sourdough topped with poached egg and truffle, squid ink spaghetti served with Mazara del Vallo red prawns and more. Running from 1 December 2023 to 10 January 2024, the ‘December Discovery’ package at The Pavilions Phuket includes daily breakfast, three-a course festive feast at ALTO, a trio of Japanese-inspired tapas and a ‘festive fizz’ cocktail, as well as an airport meet and greet and one-way transfer.

The Pavilions Madrid

Just a stroll from the city's central square, The Pavilions Madrid is perfectly positioned to spak in the lively atmosphere and enchanting decorations of the Spanish capital's Christmas celebrations. As Plaza Mayor turns into a historic market with nativity scenes, decorations, and antiques, guests at this stylish art-hotel can explore another unique Christmas market within a 10-minute walk on Paseo de Recoletos. This alternative market showcases arts and crafts, artisan workshops, and a variety of unique products from across Spain.

For the full Christmas in Madrid experience, guests can head to the famous Retiro Park to glide through the seasonal ice rinks before warming up with fortifying cups of caldo gallego, a traditional Spanish winter soup, and churros dipped in piping hot chocolate. The ‘December Discovery’ package at The Pavilions Madrid runs from 1 December 2023 to 10 January 2024 and includes daily breakfast plus a special festive dinner at one of the capital’s hottest neighbourhood restaurants, Bar Tomate.

The Pavilions Bali

Located in the charming seaside town of Sanur, The Pavilions Bali’s ‘December Discovery’ package invites guests to immerse themselves in the rich culture and cuisine of the island with a Balinese Holiday Feast for two.

Starting with vegan satay and savoury pandan crepes, the celebratory menu includes udang bumbu rujak, large tiger prawns in a sweet and spicy dressing and more. From 1-29 December 2023, ‘December Discovery’ stays at The Pavilions Bali include the Balinese Holiday Feast, daily in-villa breakfasts, a welcome drink and fruit basket, welcome foot ritual, nightly aromatherapy turndown service, two-for-one on selected spa treatments and 20 percent discounts on private island tours.

The Pavilions Rome

A festive Roman Holiday awaits at The Pavilions Rome, a trio of boutique hotels in the Eternal City famed for its spectacular Christmas celebrations. Nativity scenes abound across the nearby Spanish Steps, Vatican Square, and Piazza Venezia, while lavish Christmas markets fill the city’s piazzas, from the iconic Piazza Navona to the Campo de’Fiori – all within walking distance of The Pavilions Rome’s three locations in the heart of the historic city.

With 200 artworks adorning the walls of its 29 suites and rooms, The Pavilions Rome, The First Arte is an extraordinary opportunity to slumber in an art gallery and surround oneself with beauty. Meanwhile, la dolce vita awaits at The Pavilions Rome, The First Dolce which serves an array of exquisite sweets and confectioneries. Recently completing the triumvirate is The Pavilions Rome, The First Musica, overlooking the Tiber River in the elegant Prati neighbourhood.

As part of the ‘December Discovery’ package, guests at any of the hotels will enjoy a festive dinner at The First Musica’s ALTO restaurant, helmed by Matteo Cavoli and Daniele Lippi, executive chef of two Michelin star sister restaurant, Acquolina. Paired with a panorama of Rome’s spectacular skyline, the three-course dinner can be selected from ALTO’s exquisite à la carte menu featuring the freshest seafood, Italian cold cuts, and hearty pasta dishes. December Discovery stays at The Pavilions Rome include daily breakfast, a bottle of Italian sparkling wine, three-course dinner at ALTO, and a seasonal gift.

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