Words: Anna Galbraith
This year, Brits are apparently on track to break spending records (again) in the annual supermarket scrum in the run-up to Christmas. With the inevitable forgotten present, missing ingredient and shortage of booze to be rectified in exchange for a bumped-up charge, you’ll find there’s a lot to help lighten your wallet over the festive period.
But, if you’re feeling the fiscal pinch this season, spare a thought for the uber-wealthy, who will be splashing out upwards of £1 million on escaping to the perfect, premium bolthole for Christmas.
Whether they’re chartering a superyacht, commandeering a whole castle, or enjoying their own slice of splendid isolation on a private island — here’s how the people who have it all flaunt it at the most wonderful time of the year.
In splendid isolation: Hummingbird Villa on Mustique Island
Hummingbird Villa
We all harbour the secret hope of getting away from it all at some point during the festive season — but, for the lucky few for whom money is no object, it is a very real possibility. Sitting very prettily in the stream of islands just a hundred miles west of Barbados, Mustique island is the very definition of total escape.
With a host of luxury villas to choose from, our top choice is Hummingbird Villa, which is spread over eight acres of sloping hillside, affording privacy and comfort with amazing views and dramatic sunsets.
Don’t fancy the annual battle with the turkey and an ever-increasing number of food intolerances to cater for? Never fear, the island plays host to a dedicated team of staff, so you can sit back and relax while your in-house chef and butler cater to your every need.
Onboard a superyacht: Savannah with Edmiston
Savannah yacht, photo courtesy of Edmiston
If you’d prefer to celebrate Christmas above the waves, and have a spare €1,000,000 to spend per week, then might we recommend that you set your sights on chartering the Savannah superyacht with Edmiston.
With her four decks and six cabins connected by a dramatic rosewood spiral staircase, Savannah can comfortably and luxuriously accommodate up to 12 guests. Additionally, accommodation is provided for 24 crew members when she charters.
This winter, she will be sailing the Indian Ocean — perfect for soaking up a little more sun than can be expected in the city this season. With a full beach club, private sun deck with DJ station and BBQ onboard, throw the ultimate Christmas party before making a strong start on any fitness resolutions in the new year in the fully-kitted gym and spa.
In a historic castle: Borthwick Castle
Borthwick Castle
Looking for a slightly more traditional celebration? Why not rent out an historic Scottish castle. Exclusive hire of Borthwick Castle, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, will grant you room to sleep up to 26 guests and throw the ultimate Christmas or NYE party.
Book Borthwick through Celtic Castles and you can create a fully staffed bespoke dining and activity package to suit your group’s requirements. Whether you’re looking to throw a Christmas Eve banquet in the Great Hall, a Christmas Day five-course lunch, or even an evening of storytelling for any children in the group — they will have you covered.
On a tailor-made trip: Blink by Black Tomato
Dome tents in Uyuni Salt Flats. Photographed by Stéphane Gautronneau
Imagine exploring a part of the world that’s so untouched few have trodden the same path before. Imagine exploring it in a way that’s totally unique, without a single person having experienced it in the same way as you. Sound impossible? Not if you have a spare $12,000.
The ultimate example of a bespoke luxury experience, Black Tomato’s Blink service allows travellers to customise every aspect of their adventure, from the thread-count of the sheets to the location of the accommodation — you can even choose whether your tent entrance faces the sunrise or sunset.
Whether you want to bed-down in a chic safari-style tents overlooking the Mekong River, or dream of staying in lunar-like bubbles on the Bolivian Altiplano, Blink gives travellers the chance to craft their own dream luxury tented accommodation.
In a film set-style penthouse: The Peninsula NYC
The Peninsula, New York
If your idea of the perfect Christmas looks more like something from a classic wintertime movie set, then it doesn’t get more quintessentially festive than the Holly Jolly Holiday package at The Peninsula in New York.
Enjoy all the holiday magic of New York City from Fifth Avenue to Brooklyn with a range of VIP holiday experiences only found in the Big Apple. Want to go shopping at Saks Fifth Avenure before opening time? Fancy being chauffeur driven to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights to see the Christmas lights? The Peninsula’s carefully curated package will deliver a Christmas you’re guaranteed to remember.
Looking for more festive inspiration? Here’s your essential guide to Christmas shopping in London…
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