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Off-Season Splendor: 8 Underrated December Escapes

This holiday, skip the beach crowds and mile-long lift lines to dog sled in the arctic fjords of Norway, or watch lanterns light up the sky along the Mekong River in Laos. These hidden gems are worth celebrating.
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The pool are at the Reid's Palace in Madeira allows guests to wander down to the sea level platform and jump straight into the ocean. Courtesy of Reid's Palace.

For those who crave quieter corners and untapped adventure, traveling in the off-season offers a rare luxury: destinations that feel personal, intimate and refreshingly unhurried. This holiday, consider skipping the crowded slopes and tropical hotspots for these eight unexpected locales.

Reid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel in Madeira, Portugal. Courtesy of Reid's Palace.

Where: Madeira, Portugal

Why Now: Known as the "Island of Eternal Spring," Madeira in December offers mild weather and fewer tourists, plus dazzling holiday lights and a renowned New Year's Eve fireworks display.

Where to Stay: Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel, a historic clifftop retreat with sweeping ocean views and legendary service.

Ring in the New Year: In the capital city of Funchal, the legendary waterfront fireworks display holds a Guinness World Record for the largest pyrotechnic show. Head to one of the many rooftop bars or join locals along the marina for a night of music and dancing.

Don’t Miss: Laurisilva Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Funchal, indulge in local poncha, a citrusy cocktail perfect for cool evenings.

Post Ranch Inn offers luxurious, eco-friendly accommodations. Courtesy of Post Ranch Inn.

Where: Big Sur, California, USA

Why Now: December brings solitude and dramatic landscapes, with moody skies and migrating gray whales along the Pacific coast.

Where to Stay: Post Ranch Inn offers luxurious, eco-friendly accommodations with cliffside views and cozy wood-burning fireplaces.

Ring in the New Year: With a little California coastal cuisine at The Sur House at Alila Ventana Big Sur.

Don’t Miss: Pfeiffer Beach at sunset to take in the iconic purple sand, then enjoy the tasting menu at Sierra Mar.

Amantaka blends old-world charm with modern luxury. Courtesy of Aman Resorts.

Where: Luang Prabang, Laos

Why Now: December is part of the dry season in Laos, with cooler temperatures and pristine weather, perfect for exploring this UNESCO-listed town.

Where to Stay: Amantaka, an Aman resort housed in a former French colonial building, blends old-world charm with modern luxury.

Ring in the New Year: At the riverside night market. Enjoy live traditional Lao music, sample local delicacies, and watch the sky light up with lanterns released into the Mekong River.

Don’t Miss: An early rise to witness the alms-giving ceremony, where saffron-robed monks collect offerings at dawn. Later, take a boat ride to the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls.

Hacienda Bambusa is surrounded by the enormous Central Andes Mountains. Courtesy of Hacienda Bambusa.

Where: Salento, Colombia

Why Now: Nestled in Colombia’s coffee triangle, Salento in December bursts with verdant scenery and lively Christmas traditions.

Where to Stay: Hacienda Bambusa is a boutique hotel surrounded by the enormous Central Andes Mountains, as well as cacao and coffee plantations.

Ring in the New Year: At Finca de Don Eduardo, where you can toast to 2025 surrounded by the lush, misty hills of the coffee triangle and with the sounds of live cumbia and salsa.

Don’t Miss: A coffee farm tour to discover the bean-to-brew process, and then a hike the Valle de Cocora to marvel at towering wax palms, the national tree of Colombia.

Funken Lodge sits on top of "the hill" with mesmerizing views over the town of Longyearbyen. Courtesy of Funken Lodge.

Where: Svalbard, Norway

Why Now: The polar night blankets the archipelago of Svalbard in darkness, creating the perfect backdrop for a surreal Arctic adventure and prime Northern Lights viewing.

Where to Stay: Funken Lodge sits on top of "the hill" with mesmerizing views over the town of Longyearbyen, offering a boutique oasis in a historically rich building that dates back to 1947.

Ring in the New Year: Dog sledding under the Arctic sky.

Don’t Miss: A guided snowmobile tour to explore frozen fjords and ice caves.

Borgo Egnazia is styled in the traditional vein of an Apulian village. Courtesy of Borgo Egnazia.

Where: Puglia, Italy

Why Now: December reveals a quieter, more authentic Puglia, with olive harvests in full swing and charming towns adorned with Christmas lights.

Where to Stay: Borgo Egnazia, a hallmark of Southern Med luxury, styled in the traditional vein of an Apulian village.

Ring in the New Year: With a candlelit dinner under the stars at Masseria Torre Maizza, a chic hideaway surrounded by olive groves.

Don’t Miss: The fresh-pressed olive oil during a visit to a local frantoio while exploring the whitewashed streets of Ostuni.

Southern Ocean Lodge is a luxurious eco-resort perched on rugged cliffs. Courtesy of Southern Ocean Lodge.

Where: Kangaroo Island, Australia

Why Now: December marks the start of summer in Australia, and Kangaroo Island brims with wildlife, wildflowers, and empty beaches.

Where to Stay: Southern Ocean Lodge, a luxurious eco-resort perched on rugged cliffs, is reopening after a stunning rebuild.

Ring in the New Year: At Cliff House, where you can enjoy local produce and dishes cooked and prepared on Snelling beach.

Don’t Miss: A visit to Seal Bay Conservation Park to walk among a colony of Australian sea lions, then sample local honey from the island's Ligurian bees.

Dar Ahlam is a boutique retreat in nearby Skoura, Morocco. Courtesy of Dar Ahlam

Where: Ait Benhaddou, Morocco

Why Now: December’s cooler weather makes exploring this ancient ksar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, both comfortable and magical.

Where to Stay: Dar Ahlam, a boutique retreat in nearby Skoura, offers exquisite private dinners and desert experiences.

Ring in the New Year: At Kasbah Tebi, a beautifully restored traditional guesthouse within the walls of Ait Benhaddou. Usher in 2025 with candlelight, authentic Moroccan cuisine, unparalleled views of the ancient ksar, and a cup of Moroccan mint tea.

Don’t Miss: A wander through the fortified village's winding alleys. Marvel at its cinematic landscapes, featured in films like Gladiator. Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains for a scenic hike.

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