Sunshine seas and snowscapes—luxury winter trips await your choice
Last updated 2026-09-25 — The weather is getting colder. Where do you want to go for your winter vacation? Lounging in the warm sun or celebrating the holidays in a silver-white wonderland—both are incredibly appealing options. European resort destinations like Madeira and Mallorca enjoy sunshine all year round...
The weather is getting colder. Where do you want to go for your winter vacation? Lounging in the warm sun or celebrating the holidays in a silver-white wonderland—both are incredibly appealing options. European resort destinations like Madeira and Mallorca enjoy sunshine all year round, where you can savor top-tier wines and experience unique village charm. Meanwhile, Saint Petersburg has lower temperatures, offering a snowy Christmas and New Year with stunning wintry landscapes.
The village holiday atmosphere in Mallorca is quite cozy. (Image provided by Orient-Express)
In December, Madeira transforms into a fairytale island, with the streets of its capital, Funchal, adorned with over 250,000 colorful lights. After Christmas, the festive New Year celebrations kick off, and on December 31st, Funchal will unveil what is regarded as one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in the world. This event set the record for the largest fireworks display in 2008. During the holiday season, Reid’s Palace hotel in Madeira offers a “2010 Holiday Celebration Stay Experience” starting from €400 per night for a double room, which includes breakfast, airport transfers, dinner, and champagne. Guests must stay for four nights and arrive on one of the days between December 21 and 24.
Reid’s Palace stands atop the cliffs of Funchal. (Image provided by Orient-Express)
Meanwhile, in the charming village of Deia on Mallorca, the hotel La Residencia will open a Christmas market on its front lawn starting December 19th, where local artisans can set up stalls to sell traditional Mallorcan crafts. On December 31st, a grand celebration will be held, allowing guests to dance and enjoy themselves in the manor-like setting. Before midnight, each person will receive 12 grapes, and following Mallorcan tradition, as the clock strikes twelve, everyone must eat one grape with each chime to ward off bad luck and bring good fortune for the coming year. La Residencia’s “New Year Stay Plan” includes breakfast and airport transfers, a dinner at the El Olivo restaurant, a champagne toast at midnight on December 31st, and a New Year’s brunch at the Son Fony restaurant on January 1st.
The hotel La Residencia in the village of Deia. (Image provided by Orient-Express)
Orient-Express Hotel Group: http://www.orient-express.com
Reid’s Palace in Madeira: http://www.reidspalace.com
La Residencia in Mallorca: http://www.hotel-laresidencia.com
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