HELLO! India's very Merry Christmas getaway guide for the holiday season

The festive glow of Christmas is in the air, and with it comes the perfect excuse to slip away for a holiday reset. This holiday season, make it less about the rush and more about slowing down—think twinkling lights, cosy mornings, and destinations that feel like a celebration in themselves. From misty lakeside retreats and snow-kissed hill escapes to design-forward city stays and nature-led sanctuaries, India offers a wealth of luxe getaways ideal for a Christmas break. Consider this your curated guide to indulgent escapes that blend relaxation, warmth, and festive cheer—just in time to celebrate the season in style.

GIFT YOURSELF A FESTIVE RESET THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON

1. The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort, Chandigarh

If Christmas to you means calm mornings, misty views, and a touch of indulgence, The Oberoi Chandigarh sets the scene beautifully. Framed by the Siswan Forest Range, the resort feels especially magical in winter, with crisp air drifting through its Mughal-inspired courtyards and domed pavilions. Between soothing Ayurvedic rituals and hydrotherapy sessions at its award-winning wellness centre, days unfold at an unhurried pace. Come evening, sip warm herbal infusions on a private terrace as the festive quiet of December wraps the retreat in understated luxury.

2. Mary Budden Estate, Binsar 

Christmas at Mary Budden Estate feels like stepping into a storybook set in the Kumaon hills. With crackling fireplaces, colonial-era charm, and panoramic views of snow-dusted Himalayan peaks, the estate comes alive in winter. Days are best spent wrapped in shawls, sipping hot cocoa, and exploring forest trails, while evenings glow with candlelit dinners and festive warmth. It’s a Christmas retreat that trades noise for nostalgia and luxury for intimacy.

(Also Read: World Environment Day 2025: Experience responsible travel with these luxury getaways)

3. Sariska Lodge, Rajasthan

For a Christmas escape that blends festive cheer with the thrill of the wild, Sariska Lodge delivers an experience that feels both adventurous and indulgent. Set on the edge of Sariska Tiger Reserve, winter safaris offer sightings of leopards, deer, and—if fortune favours—the elusive tiger. Back at the lodge, cosy cottages, alfresco meals, and starlit bonfire evenings set a warm holiday mood. It’s a Christmas getaway that balances nature-led excitement with relaxed luxury, making it especially memorable for families travelling with children.

4. Laterite Estate, Alibaug from Lohono Stays

For those dreaming of a sun-kissed Christmas by the sea, Laterite Estate in Alibaug offers a relaxed yet refined escape. This Lohono Stays property pairs earthy architecture with open lawns, breezy verandahs, and poolside lounging—perfect for a tropical take on the festive season. Think long brunches, barefoot walks, and golden sunsets replacing traditional winter chill. It’s an effortless Christmas getaway for families or friends seeking warmth, space, and laid-back luxury.

5. The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa, Haryana

A short drive from Delhi NCR yet perfectly suited for a Christmas pause, The Westin Sohna transforms the holiday weekend into a wellness-led escape. Surrounded by winter-washed greenery and the Aravalli hills, the resort invites guests to slow down with yoga sessions, spa rituals, and farm-to-table festive feasts. Whether it’s a quiet Christmas morning by the pool or a leisurely cycle through the grounds, the experience balances celebration with restoration—ideal for families and couples alike.

6. SaffronStays The Hill Abode

This modern villa, tucked into the wintery hills of Kumarhatti near Kasauli—just 1.5 hours from Chandigarh—sets the scene for a cosy Christmas escape. Designed by a young architect, the three-bedroom retreat glows with warmth during the festive season, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing misty valley views. Think fireside evenings, friendly games by the pool table, and slow mornings on the viewing deck wrapped in blankets. With scenic winter hikes, picnic spots, and a festive detour to the historic Kasauli Brewery nearby, the villa offers a Christmas getaway that feels intimate, snug, and effortlessly memorable. 

7. Narendra Bhawan, Bikaner 

Spending Christmas at Narendra Bhawan feels like celebrating the season inside a living palace. Once the royal residence of Maharaja Narendra Singh, this design-forward heritage hotel transforms winter in Bikaner into a richly layered experience. Think desert sunsets, indulgent festive feasts, and evenings spent in softly lit courtyards that glow against the winter chill. From curated dining journeys to cosy rooms steeped in royal nostalgia, Narendra Bhawan offers a Christmas getaway where history, luxury, and quiet celebration come together effortlessly.

8. Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala

Set along Kerala’s serene northern coastline, Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala will be an idyllic Christmas break for travellers craving calm, nature, and understated luxury. Surrounded by golden beaches, tranquil backwaters, and gentle hills like Posadigumpe, the destination offers a refreshing mix of coastal beauty and lush landscapes. It’s perfect for a kind of holiday season that's spent reconnecting with nature away from the crowds.

9. Ronil Goa - JDV by Hyatt

For a Christmas escape that swaps winter chill for coastal cheer, Ronil Goa, a JDV by Hyatt property in Goa, delivers effortless holiday energy. This design-led boutique hotel blends retro Goan charm with the free-spirited, social vibe the brand is known for. Think sun-drenched pool days, festive cocktails, and relaxed Christmas evenings that flow seamlessly into Goa’s vibrant nightlife. It’s an ideal pick for those who want a stylish, fun-forward Christmas getaway where celebration comes naturally and the mood stays easy all weekend long

10. The St. Regis Goa Resort, Goa

The St. Regis Goa Resort delivers a picture-perfect Christmas by blending indulgent dining, festive traditions, and coastal luxury. Its Christmas Day brunch at Miri features classic roasts and inventive flavours, while Santa’s arrival at The Coconut Grove adds a joyful touch for families. Paired with beachside serenity and rejuvenating spa experiences, it’s an ideal destination for those who want equal parts celebration and relaxation.

11. Six Senses Fort Barwara, Rajasthan

Six Senses Fort Barwara offers a deeply restorative Christmas escape steeped in royal history and wellness. Housed within a beautifully restored 14th-century fort, the property feels especially magical in winter, with crisp air, golden sunsets, and serene outdoor spaces. Combining mindful rituals, immersive spa therapies, heritage experiences, and starlit dining, it’s the perfect holiday retreat for travellers seeking peace, culture, and quiet luxury.

Whether you’re escaping solo, planning a cosy Christmas with your partner, or creating festive memories with family, these getaways offer the perfect blend of indulgence, culture, and downtime. Think slow mornings, warm lights, and experiences designed to help you reset and recharge—because a Christmas break should feel as joyful, restorative, and special as the season itself.

(Also Read: Say HELLO! Holidays to these bespoke long weekend getaways)