Sometimes ‘away’ for the holidays — and on no one’s home turf — is the best present of all. So, instead of hosting friends and family at home, make it a real vacation and head to someplace idyllic where everyone —parents, grandparents, kids and yes, extended family— can kick back, relax, and enjoy the holiday cheer. For snow lovers, nothing beats a cozy Airbnb in a wintry destination like Utah, Vermont (don’t forget to bring your ski gear) and even New York City. Those not a fan of the cold can jet south of the border to sunny Mexico, where the only cold things are the cocktails and the beer, or to the stunning isle of Hawaii for some aloha-infused holiday spirit. White sand beaches, out-of-this-world delicious food, top-notch entertainment, and fascinating culture await.
Whether your gathering is large or small, snow-covered or sun-filled, here are eight Airbnbs across the U.S. and Mexico, perfect for the festive (Christmas to New Year) season.
Cold:
Luxe Ski In/Ski Out Home, Park City, Utah
Bring the entire family to ring in the new year at this spectacular six-bedroom, five-and-a-half bathroom, ski in/ski out masterpiece. Take advantage of the access to the adjacent lift, then relax later in the steaming hot tub and sauna, spacious living room with grand fireplace, and pool table.
To book: Airbnb.com
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.
To book: Airbnb.com
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.
To book: Airbnb.com
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.
To book: Airbnb.co
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.
To book: Airbnb.com
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.
To book: Airbnb.com
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.
To book: Airbnb.com
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.
To book: Airbnb.com
