Good things are said to come in small packages — think tiny robin’s-egg blue Tiffany boxes under the tree. But the age-old adage that “good things come to those who wait” (if only for a few weeks or months) may be the more appropriate mantra this holiday season. Increasingly luxe travelers are trading in their trimmed-in-gold-ribbon packages for more experiential gifts ranging from wellness to Michelin-star dining to cultural immersions and outdoor adventures.
Others are gifting in a completely different way — by giving back, on behalf of themselves and their entire families. I personally visited Half Moon Jamaica this past year, and was among those devastated to hear of Hurricane Melissa’s wrath on the island. The resort is scheduled to reopen in phases for 2026, welcoming guests first to Eclipse at Half Moon (and its recently renovated villas). In the meantime, Half Moon has launched the Half Moon Spirit Relief Fund (I, for one am giving) to support the more than 800 team members — many of whom have been part of the Half Moon family for decades.
Following are other favorite travel experiences to gift this season — the memories of each designed to linger long after the holidays have ended…
For Wellness Enthusiasts
Intuitive Reading With Susan King
A longtime “reader to the stars,” internationally recognized intuitive and psychic Susan King was working with fashion designer Donna Karan when she predicted that one of the fashion icon’s affiliates would open a day spa along a river in New Jersey. Now, 20 years later, sisters Kristin and Tracy Pamperin continue to showcase King — a rare voice of stillness, truth and deep intuition — at The Urban Muse, their holistic wellness spa in Denville. One hour with King — often described as “a human compass” and “a soul whisperer” — leaves recipients awestruck. (Note: King also works remotely from her home in the U.K.)
Five-Day Transformation at The Retreat, Costa Rica
Give the gift of transformation at The Retreat Costa Rica, a luxurious wellness sanctuary founded by acclaimed author, celebrity chef, and health and lifestyle expert Diana Stobo. Set in the lush mountains of Atenas with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, The Retreat nurtures mind, body, and spirit through nature, nourishment, and holistic healing. Gift the five-night emotional healing experience, which includes all meals, daily yoga, self-guided hikes, six personalized spa therapies, and two private emotional healing counseling sessions.
Two-Hour The Works — Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, Calistoga, California
Bring your loved one back to mid-century basics with this legacy experience at Napa Valley’s original wellness retreat, Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs. The two-hour signature ritual begins with the resort’s iconic mud bath treatment followed by a mineral whirlpool soak, geothermal steam, and blanket wrap designed to restore balance and circulation. The journey continues with a custom facial mask and 60-minute Swedish massage. Set in downtown Calistoga, the experience reflects over seven decades of mineral spring heritage and modern spa innovation.
Digital Detox, The Ranch Hudson Valley, New York
Give the gift of silence and reflection with a three-night (Thursday through Sunday) digital detox at The Ranch Hudson Valley. During the long weekend stay, guests are encouraged to unplug from their everyday routines and focus their energy on being present in a serene, natural, lakefront setting. Think panoramic hikes, restorative yoga, daily massage, seasonal plant-forward cuisine, and cellphones left in room.
The Gift of Sleep at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
For that person on your list who just can’t sleep, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit offers a four-night retreat, featuring a pioneering sleep therapy treatment called SNOOZ technology. Just 26 minutes of this conciliatory therapy enhances rest and elevates cognitive performance by up to 34 percent. Coupled with warm pillows, personalized aromatherapy, and gentle massage techniques, the session transports to a realm of relaxation. Also includes: the healing powers of sound therapy and guided meditation.
Ultimate Bath Experience, AIRE, New York City
The balneophile (extreme bather) in your life will never forget this dreamy soak. With two New York City locations — Upper East Side and Tribeca — the AIRE bathing experience is a true self-care ritual. In a restored historic building surrounded by candlelight, journey through thermal baths inspired by ancient civilizations.
For Foodies
French Laundry, Napa Valley, California
Fans of Chef Thomas Keller and The French Laundry will forever treasure this culinary gift. For the first time, The French Laundry is offering guided tours of its renowned gardens, giving an immersive look at more than 150 varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers, along with insights into the farm-to-table philosophy that shapes Chef Thomas Keller’s celebrated cuisine.
Dom Pérignon Under the Sea, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
Nine bottles of Dom Pérignon (2012 and 2013) have been aging beneath the Indian Ocean at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island’s iconic Ithaa Undersea Restaurant. The Champagne (exclusively for guests) surfaces December 16, 2025. The underwater maturation — shaped by gentle currents, natural pressure, and stable temperatures — enhances the bubbly’s complexity and richness, while diners are surrounded by active marine life
Lobster Rolls and Clam Chowder in Kennebunkport, Maine
The seafood lover on your list will adore this exclusive Maine Foodie Tour. Curated by Breakwater Inn, Kennebunkport, the tour pairs a two-night stay (in an oceanview suite) with a guided tasting journey featuring signature Maine dishes like lobster rolls, clam chowder, and blueberry pie. Car service and priority seating at waterfront tables included.
Wine Experience in Mendoza, Argentina
Designed by pioneering Argentine winemaker Susana Balbo, SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites provides an array of unique wine experiences including wine pairing, ultra-premium wine tastings, vinotherapeutic spa treatments, and custom blending classes. Additionally, the hotel offers custom wine itineraries personally curated by Balbo along with her son José Lovaglio Balbo and daughter Ana Lovaglio Balbo. Salut.
14-Day Culinary Journey Through Norway
Up Norway’s new 14-day Culinary Discovery Route offers unparalleled access to Norway’s gastronomic secrets. The itinerary blends Michelin-starred dining, artisanal hidden gems, and immersive culinary adventures that take foodies deep into Norway’s culinary heritage. Imagine private sea-foraging expeditions, hands-on cooking sessions with a Bocuse d’Or world champion, tastings of ocean-aged whisky on a remote island, and an extraordinary expedition dining experience at the iconic Iris/Salmon Eye floating restaurant.
Agave Field Tour, Casa Velas, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Tequila lovers will delight in learning about raicilla — one of Mexico’s oldest and most distinctive spirits. At the adults-only Casa Velas, guests can explore Aycya’s (an up and coming local raicilla producer) and wild agave fields in La Estancia, the heartbeat of raicilla’s rich history and artisanal craftsmanship. The agave field adventure begins and ends in a Jeep.
For Romance
Hôtel de Sers, Paris
Just steps from the Champs-Élysées, Hôtel de Sers — a five-star Parisian residence — oozes with romance. Join your beloved on this exclusive gift that includes one night in a panoramic suite with breathtaking views of the city, a romantic four-course dinner for two, served in suite with wine pairings, and signature Rituel massages that start with a 15-minute ‘De Sers’ (sauna session) ritual.
Manapany Love Story, St. Barth
Closer to home (for U.S. residents) but just as French: St. Barth and one of our favorite properties: Hotel Manapany. A perfect couples gift here starts with Champagne upon arrival, a private dinner on the deck overlooking the sea, side-by-side massage, and breakfast daily.
For Art and Culture Connoisseurs
Pearl of Paradise Experience – The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
The Pearl experience at The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa begins with a private helicopter flight over Bora Bora’s lagoon and Mount Otemanu, followed by a short boat transfer to Taha’a. There, guests visit a pearl farm to select a Tahitian pearl and design a custom piece of jewelry, and tour one of the island’s vanilla plantations for a guided tasting. Resort accommodations include an overwater bungalow with a private plunge pool and sunset views of Mount Otemanu, and the stay concludes with a private dinner by the lagoon, featuring a multi-course menu prepared by the executive chef and paired with French wines chosen by a sommelier.
Moai Carving at Nayara Hangaroa, Easter Island, Chile
The Moai — Easter Island’s iconic monolithic stone statues — are enduring symbols of Rapa Nui heritage and resilience. At Nayara Hangaroa, guests can explore their cultural significance in a hands-on Moaia carving workshop led by a local artisan. The workshop takes place in a lush tranquil garden of a local household, and guests leave with their very own treasured keepsake — a miniature handcrafted Moai.
Els Encants Studio Visit with Gastón Lisak, Almanac Barcelona, Spain
In October 2025, Almanac Barcelona debuted its Art Floor, transforming the hotel’s top floor into a living gallery where six artists reimagine suites as immersive, shoppable, creative spaces. In February 2026, Barcelona-born conceptual artist Gastón Lisak will reimagine the Almanac Suite (Room 706) turning discarded materials into bold sculptural works. His Els Encants Studio Visit experience offers a curated walk through Barcelona’s iconic flea market with the artist, where guests collect found objects before continuing to Lisak’s studio to watch his creative process unfold.
For Outdoor Adventurers
Flats & Fish, Sailrock South Caicos
Send your favorite angler off to pursue the ‘gray ghost’ of the South Caicos flats. Renowned local Captain Ganger, (a.k.a. G-Man Lockhart) takes Sailrock guests aboard his skiff boat on a guided bone fishing adventure across the pristine flats of South Caicos. Fishing gear — spin or fly rods, tackle, and fishing license — is provided along with a hamper packed with drinks, sandwiches, and fresh fruit. Half- or full-day charter for two available.
Jet Car, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
For those who have everything, have done everything, gift them with a jet car ride across one of the Maldives cerulean lagoons. This unusual water ride is available with a guide as driver or as a private hire (a guide leading the way via jet ski). Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s WISH team makes all of the arrangements.
For Animal Lovers
Horse Whispering at Salamander Middleburg, Virginia
For the horse whisperer in your circle, consider an equine encounter at Salamander Middleburg. The resort’s Equine Communication experience enables guests to engage with horses in a profound, grounding way — an exercise in trust and emotional awareness. Quietly visit the (14) horses in their stalls with Ashley Farrell, director of the equine program, who knows everything there is to know about the stunning creatures and then some.
Pampered Pooch at Mar del Cabo, Mexico
We all know that person. The pet-loving, won’t-leaving-home-without-the-dog friend or relative. Which is what makes Mar del Cabo’s pampered pooch package so spectacular. The three-night offering features deluxe accommodations in the penthouse suite, personalized pet concierge services, a special pet menu for chef-prepared meals, sunset picnic, and even dog sitting services (should the human venture out solo). The welcome begins upon arrival with pet-friendly transportation from the airport to the hotel where pets are then greeted with a cozy bed, bowl, and toys.
Feature image courtesy of Half Moon. Travel Curator may earn a commission from product or booking links on this page.
