Sometimes ‘away’ for the holidays — and on no one’s home turf — is the best present of all. Whether your gathering is large or small, snow covered or sun filled, here are 12 airbnbs across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, perfect for festive (Christmas to New Year) season.
Cold:
Solstice at Empire Pass, Park City Utah
Bring the entire family to ring in the new year at this five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom après-ski masterpiece. Take advantage of the ski-in/ski-out access to Northside Express Lift, then relax later in the steaming hot tub, home cinema, card game parlor, even bar with its own poker table. Greatest perk: chef, pre-stocked groceries, and in-home massages are easily arranged.
The Mane House, Candler, North Carolina
Vanderbilt’s historic mansion, The Biltmore, is reason enough to visit North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The property goes all out with holiday decorations, food, and festivities. But Asheville also celebrates the season instyle and there’s no better place to stay than this stunning six-bedroom home set on a 55-acre horse farm. We love the cathedral ceilings, stone wood-burning fireplaces, and outdoor gazebo. Added bonus, the Asheville Speakeasy, a 1920s themed space with local drafts and outdoor fire pits, is just steps away.
Mountain View Haus, Leavenworth, Washington
reminiscent of a Bavarian village and known for its 21 miles of festive twinkly lights. This three-bedroom, five-bath open-design home offers the perfect view — from every window. Gather around the 12-person custom dining table, take turns cooking in the chef’s kitchen, and breathe in the fresh mountain air from the outdoor sitting area with fireplace and hot tub.
Luxury Loft, Soho, New York City
From the famed Rockettes, to decked-out Rockefeller Center and Saks Fifth Avenue, to ice skating, holiday markets, and of course Times Square on New Year’s Eve, New York City is a mecca of holiday festivities. Live like a local in an elegant, modern, Soho loft. This former gallery space features high ceilings and open views from the loft’s 14 giant windows. Pin-drop quiet, there is a sleek chef’s kitchen, large dining room table, wide-plank oak floors, and even a sauna and deep soaking tub.
Converted Barn, Woodstock, Vermont
For a wintry holiday celebration, head to Woodstock, Vermont, home to an authentic Christmas market, and almost guaranteed snowfall (67.6 inches annually). This stunning, renovated barn, surrounded by fenced pastures, is beautifully decorated with high-end furnishings, antique rugs, comfy beds, and a chef’s kitchen. Relax in front of the stone fireplace or outdoor fire pit.
Aurora Guesthouse, Whitehorse, Yukon Territories, Canada
If going off the grid — seeing the Aurora Borealis from your doorstep, and dipping into nearby hot springs — is on your holiday wishlist, look no further than the three-bedroom Aurora Guesthouse. The house is 25 minutes from downtown for dinners out (although the kitchen is fully stocked with cooking gear), and just steps from the hot springs and hiking trails. Moose and elk sightings are a given.
Warm:
Etérea, San Miguel de Allende, México
For a ‘less is more’ holiday — just yourself plus one — head to Casa Etérea, a luxurious isolated hideaway for two, built on the slopes of an extinct volcano in San Miguel del Allende. This one-of-a-kind designer residence comes with a solar-heated pool surrounded by olive and pomegranate trees, exposed glass shower, stunning mountain views, and did we mention the copper soaking tub.
The Sullivan Estate & JK7 Spa Retreat, Haleiwa, Hawaii
Skip the holiday shopping, wrapping, baking, and chaos, and go straight to Hawaii — and Oahu’s vibey north shore. Welcome in the new year with your own wellness retreat. This ultra-luxe retreat comes with a JK7 Spa Sensator (an anti-stress treatment using aroma, sound, and color therapy, enjoyed in a weightless environment), yoga pavilion, sauna, steam room, and massage services. Indoors, we love the vintage Hawaiian elegance — the flow of white on white with pops of color. Outside, we are all about the pool, terrace, oceanfront lounge, and extensive lanai.
Savannah Nest, Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, at Christmastime, is storybook, as is the three-bedroom, 2.5 bath Savannah Nest, just two blocks from Forsyth Park. We love the house’s private courtyard, oversized front porch, hardwood floors, columns, moldings, and especially the double-sided brick hearth, blue-velvet couch, and Art-Deco touches. But your kids will love the Harry Potter-themed (third) bedroom, magically placed just beyond the home’s second bedroom, creating a convenient sleeping space just for them.
Villa Amalfi, Tulum, Mexico
Modern, with clean lines, this dreamy villa — with its five bedrooms and four bathrooms — is spacious enough for the whole family or group of friends. Set between the beach and bohemian town, the villa features giant windows, a gourmet chef’s kitchen, four-poster beds, pool, garden swing, Jacuzzi, and BBQ.
Malibu Mountain Retreat, Malibu, California
For warm weather and ocean views, it doesn’t get much better than Malibu. Set on three acres of mature gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this open-concept, post-and-beam home features soaring 25-foot ceilings and views of Catalina Island. Pick your own oranges and lemons, walk Billionaires Beach — there is a discreet public access at the bottom of the hill. Ring in the new year at nearby, beachfront Nobu (sushi). Or cuddle up alone together with a bottle of bubbly and savor the view.
