Asia Pacific

These 5 Hotels Go All Out for the Holidays in Asia and the Pacific

by Dana Ter

Photograph by Dana Ter

aerial view of snowy Seoul and Deoksugung Palace in the winter

Celebrate the holidays with a wintry vacation to Seoul. (Photo: Getty Images)

Perhaps as a child you dreamed of spending the holidays in a marvelous setting with a cozy fireplace, lots of presents and festive decorations. Or maybe you wished for a warm-weather holiday near the beach. Either way, it’s time to start planning for the holidays because these hotels across Asia and the Pacific live up to those dreams — and more.

From traditional roast turkey dinners to Christmas in the tropics, here are five hotels that go all out for the holiday season.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Enjoy a Snow Globe–Like Scene in Seoul

view of The Westin Josun Seoul and the surrounding area
The Westin Josun Seoul is located near the Deoksugung Palace. (Photo: Marriott International)

Checking into The Westin Josun Seoul is like stepping into a snow globe — indoor trees with twinkling lights frame the entrance and a Christmas tree with a different theme each year anchors the lobby.

The hotel also serves a traditional Christmas dinner of roast turkey, mashed potatoes and Brussels sprouts in a cozy setting.

Just outside is Deoksugung Palace, and the snowcapped mountains that surround Seoul form the perfect wintry backdrop.

Enjoy Easy Access to an Amusement Park in Hong Kong

view of the exterior of the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel
A stay at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel offers convenient access to Ocean Park, a family-friendly amusement park. (Photo: Marriott International)

It’s always a happy time at Ocean Park, an amusement park on a mountain overlooking the South China Sea. And it doesn’t get more festive than Christmas at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel.

The hotel lobby is transformed into an ocean-themed wonderland, and guests are given Santa hats upon check-in. The Grand Ballroom transforms into a magical space for children, complete with a Christmas tree and presents, a fireplace and stockings. For adults, there’s Peking roast duck, turkey and Champagne for dinner.

Next door, Ocean Park is magic itself, especially with decked-out stalls at the Christmas Market selling candy canes and mulled wine.

Bask in the Warm Weather of Singapore

a holiday feast, glasses of wine and decor arranged on a table with a tablecloth
Feast on festive food and drinks at W Singapore – Sentosa Cove. (Photo: Marriott International)

It might be warm year-round in equatorial Singapore, but W Singapore – Sentosa Cove goes all out for the holidays. Glittering lights abound at the lush, sprawling seaside resort where guests will also find delightful decorations such as giant gold candies during the holiday season.

Foodies will love indulging in a pan-Asian buffet, which may include dishes such as chili crab, lamb biryani, roasted turkey with gravy, and a Yule log for Christmas.

Another huge holiday highlight is WOOBAR’s New Year’s Eve countdown party. Each year, the Glowing Jungle Party promises a fantastic lineup of DJs on December 31. The best part? Recuperating by the 15,000-square-foot pool the next day and listening to the lapping waves of the Singapore Strait.

Enjoy a Grand Holiday in Kuala Lumpur

a waiter sets a table for afternoon tea at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection
You won’t want to miss the afternoon tea at The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection. (Photo: Marriott International)

Perched on a hill in central Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Autograph Collection was the center of high society parties when it opened in 1932 — and it throws a festive Christmas party today.

A grand Christmas tree stretching several floors high and decked with sparkling gold and red bulbs greets guests upon arrival. The hotel’s Christmas-themed afternoon tea is a must — red and green scones are on the menu, after all.

Plus, the hotel’s restaurant, Contango, serves a traditional Christmas feast with roast turkey and minced pie. For a truly lavish night, book a private dinner in the Orchid Conservatory, a glass house filled with colorful orchids.

Plan a Summery Christmas in Sydney

interior view of The Conservatory Bar at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park
Have a happy holiday Down Under at Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park. (Photo: Marriott International)

It may be summer Down Under, but Christmas in sunny Sydney, Australia, is sure to be a fun affair.

After a morning of beach and surf, the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park‘s bottomless brunch — which includes an impressive dessert station and gingerbread houses — is the way to go. If enjoying brunch as a family, your little ones might get a visit from Santa and gift packs full of goodies, too.

Or perhaps a Christmas-themed high tea overlooking Hyde Park is more your speed.