10 Island Resorts with Spectacular Christmas Décor and Festivities
Christmas is a magical time of year, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than at some of the world’s most luxurious island resorts. These tropical getaways take the holidays to the next level with extravagant decorations, dazzling lights, and unforgettable Christmas-themed events that transform these island paradises into festive wonderlands. Whether you’re looking to escape the cold or add a tropical twist to your holiday celebrations, these island resorts are sure to make your Christmas truly unforgettable.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Located on the famous Seven Mile Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman transforms into a winter wonderland with stunning Christmas décor. The grand lobby is adorned with sparkling lights, lush Christmas trees, and elaborate gingerbread houses crafted by the resort’s pastry chefs.
Special Christmas Events:
The resort hosts a traditional Christmas Eve dinner at the beachside restaurant, featuring live music and a special menu. Families can enjoy a holiday brunch with Santa and gingerbread house decorating.
Activities in Resort:
Guests can unwind on the private beach, play a round of golf on the Greg Norman-designed course, or indulge in snorkeling and paddleboarding in the clear waters of Seven Mile Beach. A tennis center and two oceanfront pools offer additional relaxation.
Recommended Day Trips:
Explore nearby Stingray City, where you can swim with stingrays, or take a catamaran to Rum Point for a relaxing beach day. Alternatively, visit the Cayman Turtle Centre or dive into Grand Cayman’s famous coral reefs.
Spa:
La Prairie Spa offers luxury treatments, including the signature "Caviar" facial and rejuvenating full-body massages.
Dining Opportunities:
With a variety of dining venues, including Blue by Eric Ripert for fine dining, and Bar Jack for casual beachfront bites, the resort caters to all culinary tastes.
Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Price: $1,200–$3,500 per night
Rating: 5 stars
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
At the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, guests can enjoy a tropical Christmas surrounded by turquoise waters and lush palm trees. The resort's overwater bungalows are decorated with elegant holiday lights, and the property’s gardens are transformed into a tropical winter wonderland.
Special Christmas Events:
Celebrate with a Polynesian twist, featuring Christmas Eve dinners with traditional Tahitian performances and fire dances. Santa arrives on a canoe for an unforgettable island Christmas.
Activities in Resort:
Enjoy snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, paddleboarding, or relaxing by the infinity pool with views of Mount Otemanu. The resort also offers sailing, kayaking, and Polynesian dance classes.
Recommended Day Trips:
Take a lagoon tour to swim with rays and sharks or explore nearby Motu Tapu, a private island where you can indulge in a beach picnic. Discover the island’s rich culture with a guided tour of Bora Bora’s ancient temples.
Spa:
The resort’s open-air spa offers treatments using local ingredients like black pearl powder and Tahitian vanilla. Try the signature Kahaia Haven Ritual for deep relaxation.
Dining Opportunities:
From sushi at Sunset Restaurant & Bar to French cuisine with a Polynesian twist at Arii Moana, guests can savor a range of global flavors.
Location: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Price: $1,500–$4,000 per night
Rating: 5 stars
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort
The St. Regis Maldives is known for its opulent décor, and Christmas is no exception. The resort’s luxury villas and public spaces are decked out with lights, Christmas trees, and elegant decorations inspired by the island’s natural beauty.
Special Christmas Events:
The resort hosts a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, followed by a Christmas Eve Gala Dinner. Santa arrives by seaplane on Christmas Day, bringing gifts for the little ones.
Activities in Resort:
Guests can snorkel directly from their overwater villa, enjoy water sports like jet skiing, or relax on the private beach. The resort’s Iridium Spa and diving center provide additional opportunities for adventure and rejuvenation.
Recommended Day Trips:
Take a private yacht tour around the atolls, explore nearby dive sites filled with marine life, or visit a local Maldivian village to experience island culture.
Spa:
Iridium Spa features six overwater treatment rooms offering signature treatments like Ayurvedic healing and hot stone massages.
Dining Opportunities:
Enjoy beachfront dining at Cargo or indulge in Mediterranean flavors at Alba. Private in-villa dining is also available for a more intimate experience.
Location: Vommuli Island, Maldives
Price: $2,000–$7,000 per night
Rating: 5 stars
Rosewood Bermuda
Rosewood Bermuda blends island luxury with classic holiday charm, making it a perfect destination for a festive Christmas escape. The resort’s elegant décor includes twinkling lights, garlands, and a grand Christmas tree in the lobby.
Special Christmas Events:
Guests can enjoy a Christmas Eve dinner at the upscale Island Brasserie, gingerbread house-making workshops, and a Christmas Day brunch.
Activities in Resort:
Lounge by the resort’s pool, play a round of golf at Tucker’s Point Golf Club, or take part in water sports like sailing and snorkeling.
Recommended Day Trips:
Explore the historic town of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage site, or visit the Crystal Caves for a magical underground adventure. The nearby Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo are perfect for families.
Spa:
The Sense Spa offers soothing treatments, including the signature Bermuda Pink Sand Scrub and detoxifying seaweed wraps.
Dining Opportunities:
Enjoy oceanfront dining at The Beach Club or classic Bermudian dishes at the elegant Island Brasserie.
Location: Bermuda
Price: $800–$3,000 per night
Rating: 5 stars
The Brando, French Polynesia
At The Brando, a luxury resort on a private island in French Polynesia, Christmas is celebrated with understated elegance. The resort’s eco-friendly ethos blends beautifully with holiday decorations, featuring sustainable ornaments and tropical-inspired Christmas trees.
Special Christmas Events:
Enjoy a Christmas Eve feast featuring fresh seafood and local cuisine, followed by traditional Tahitian performances and fire dancing.
Activities in Resort:
Snorkel in the crystal-clear lagoon, kayak through lush mangroves, or take a cultural tour to learn about Polynesian heritage. The resort also offers guided hikes and wildlife tours.
Recommended Day Trips:
Visit nearby islands for a day of exploration, or join a marine biologist to observe sea turtles, manta rays, and other native wildlife. A private catamaran cruise at sunset is an unforgettable experience.
Spa:
Varua Te Ora Polynesian Spa offers eco-friendly treatments using local, organic ingredients. The signature "Tahitian Black Pearl" facial is a guest favorite.
Dining Opportunities:
Enjoy French-inspired cuisine at Les Mutinés, or opt for casual island dining at Beachcomber Café. Private dining options are available for a more personalized experience.
Location: Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Price: $3,000–$12,000 per night
Rating: 5 stars
Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda
Fairmont Southampton knows how to bring the festive spirit to the tropics. The resort is famous for its spectacular holiday décor, with grand Christmas trees, twinkling lights, and gingerbread villages set throughout the property.
Special Christmas Events:
Cookie decorating, caroling, and Christmas movies under the stars are part of the holiday fun. On Christmas Eve, the resort offers a grand dinner with live entertainment.
Activities in Resort:
Relax on the private beach, play tennis, or go snorkeling in the clear waters of the South Shore. The resort also offers an 18-hole golf course with stunning ocean views.
Recommended Day Trips:
Take a boat trip to explore Bermuda’s famous pink sand beaches or visit the historic Royal Naval Dockyard. For underwater explorers, a scuba diving trip to shipwrecks and coral reefs is a must.
Spa:
The Willow Stream Spa offers holistic treatments, including the signature "Bermuda Honey" massage and soothing facials using locally sourced ingredients.
Dining Opportunities:
Enjoy fine dining at the Waterlot Inn, or casual seaside fare at The Beach Club. The Jasmine Lounge offers afternoon tea with a festive twist during the holidays.
Location: Southampton, Bermuda
Price: $500–$2,000 per night
Rating: 5 stars
The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas
The Ocean Club, set on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, offers a perfect combination of island charm and holiday luxury. The resort's colonial-inspired architecture is adorned with Christmas lights, garlands, and festive wreaths.
Special Christmas Events:
Join the Christmas Eve cocktail party at the resort’s famed Versailles Gardens, followed by a grand holiday dinner. Children can meet Santa on the beach, and the resort hosts a New Year’s Eve fireworks show.
Activities in Resort:
Guests can enjoy tennis, championship golf, and snorkeling in the vibrant reefs just off the coast. Private cabanas by the pool offer serene relaxation, while yoga sessions are available on the beach.
Recommended Day Trips:
Explore Nassau’s historic Queen’s Staircase, visit the bustling Straw Market, or take a boat trip to the Exuma Cays to swim with pigs.
Spa:
The Balinese-inspired spa offers relaxation treatments using local ingredients like coconut and cinnamon.
Dining Opportunities:
Dine at DUNE by Jean-Georges, blending French-Asian cuisine with Bahamian flavors. Private beachside dining is also available for a romantic evening.
Location: Paradise Island, Bahamas
Price: $1,200–$4,000 per night
Rating: 5 stars
Soneva Fushi, Maldives
Soneva Fushi, located in the Maldives, is a luxurious eco-resort that goes all out for the holiday season. The resort’s sustainable philosophy extends to its Christmas decorations, which include handmade ornaments and festive lights.
Special Christmas Events:
Guests can enjoy a beachside Christmas Eve dinner, followed by bonfires and stargazing. The resort also hosts a beach movie night and a Christmas Day visit from Santa.
Activities in Resort:
Snorkel the house reef, kayak in the tranquil waters, or take part in a wellness retreat. The resort also offers guided dolphin cruises and eco-friendly diving tours.
Recommended Day Trips:
Explore nearby islands or take a boat tour to spot dolphins and manta rays. A day trip to a traditional Maldivian village provides insight into local culture.
Spa:
Six Senses Spa offers holistic treatments, including Ayurvedic therapies and detoxifying body wraps. Try the Maldivian coconut body polish for a true island treat.
Dining Opportunities:
Enjoy farm-to-table dining at Fresh in the Garden or sushi at the overwater restaurant, Out of the Blue.
Location: Maldives
Price: $2,000–$6,000 per night
Rating: 5 stars
The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba
On the shores of Palm Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, creates a magical holiday atmosphere with its lavish Christmas decorations, including oversized ornaments, sparkling lights, and a grand Christmas tree in the lobby.
Special Christmas Events:
The resort hosts a Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony with live caroling and holiday treats. On Christmas Day, enjoy brunch with Santa and a New Year’s Eve fireworks display over the Caribbean Sea.
Activities in Resort:
Guests can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, or relaxing on the beach. The resort also offers tennis, golf, and a luxurious spa for total relaxation.
Recommended Day Trips:
Take a jeep safari tour through Arikok National Park, visit the famous Natural Pool, or explore the island’s historic gold mines. A sunset sail is also a must-do for romantic getaways.
Spa:
The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers island-inspired treatments, including the "Divi Divi" massage and seaweed body wraps.
Dining Opportunities:
Indulge in fine dining at BLT Steak, or enjoy fresh seafood at the beachfront restaurant, Madero.
Location: Palm Beach, Aruba
Price: $700–$2,500 per night
Rating: 5 stars
Laucala Island Resort, Fiji
Laucala Island Resort, a private island in Fiji, is renowned for its extravagant holiday celebrations. The resort’s tropical setting is enhanced by luxurious Christmas décor, including festive lights, palm trees wrapped in garlands, and tropical Christmas wreaths.
Special Christmas Events:
Enjoy a Christmas Eve feast with traditional Fijian cuisine and live choir performances. Santa arrives by boat on Christmas morning, and the resort hosts a beachside cocktail party with live entertainment.
Activities in Resort:
Snorkel in the vibrant coral reefs, take a sunset horseback ride, or relax in the resort’s infinity pool. The resort also offers diving, deep-sea fishing, and guided rainforest tours.
Recommended Day Trips:
Take a private boat tour to explore nearby islands, or visit a local Fijian village for a cultural experience. Diving enthusiasts can explore the Rainbow Reef, one of the best dive sites in the world.
Spa:
Laucala’s spa offers traditional Fijian treatments using locally sourced ingredients, including coconut oil and hibiscus flowers.
Dining Opportunities:
Dine on farm-to-table cuisine at the Plantation House or enjoy a private beachside dinner. The resort also offers gourmet picnics on secluded beaches.
Location: Laucala Island, Fiji
Price: $6,000–$25,000 per night
Rating: 5 stars
Celebrate Christmas in true island style, where sun-soaked beaches meet twinkling lights, and festive cheer takes on a tropical twist. These luxurious island resorts offer not only breathtaking surroundings but also unforgettable holiday experiences filled with dazzling decorations, special events, and unique traditions. Make this holiday season one to remember with a tropical escape that blends the warmth of the holidays with the beauty of the islands.