Caribbean + Latin America

These 7 Hotels Go All Out for the Holidays in the Caribbean and Latin America

by Janine Clements

Photograph by Janine Clements

Aerial view of JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

Have a rejuvenating holiday break at JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa. (Photo: Marriott International)

With the holiday season fast approaching, why not swap the winter chill and oven mitts for tropical sunshine and festive fun on a pristine beach? Some hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America pull out all the stops to make this magical time truly special.

From grand tree-lighting ceremonies and lively local traditions to glamorous New Year’s Eve beach parties and opulent brunches, these seven hotels promise to pamper you, immerse you in local culture and elevate your holiday season to new heights.

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

Enjoy Family-Friendly Fun in Cancun

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa kicks off the holiday season at the end of November with a tree-lighting ceremony accompanied by the angelic sounds of a children’s choir performance.

Tuck into decadent buffets on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and ring in the New Year with a sumptuous dinner in the garden or festive cocktails and live music in the bar.

There’s plenty for kids, too, including a Winter Olympics–inspired competition, cookie decorating and a special visit from Santa.

Relax (or Party) on the Beach in Puerto Vallarta

Aerial view of Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa hosts festive activities through the end-of-year holiday season. (Photo: Marriott International)

Experience the magic of the holiday season against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean at Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa in Mexico, which offers nonstop festivities, including a Christmas Eve feast with live music.

See the year out with a bang at Beyond the Sea, a family-friendly New Year’s Eve beach party featuring a four-course dinner and a surprise show. Then indulge at the extravagant brunch the next day.

The festivities continue on Three Kings Day, on January 6, when you can sample a rosca de reyes (three kings bread), a traditional Mexican dessert.

Enjoy a Lavish Holiday in Turks and Caicos

Dining table with a beautiful, candlelit table setting at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos
Make your holiday stay luxurious at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos. (Photo: Marriott International)

Make it a holiday season to remember at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos on Grace Bay, where celebrations include a Christmas Eve movie under the stars and a Santa Claus meet-and-greet.

On Christmas Day, enjoy an underwater-wonderland-themed brunch, a divine steak dinner or a luxury catamaran adventure that includes snorkeling on the world’s third-largest barrier reef. Join in the local Boxing Day festivities at the Maskanoo street festival, the biggest event of the year, which takes place in nearby Providenciales.

Reserve a poolside cabana for an adults-only New Year’s Eve soiree and, later, set off on a fireworks cruise. Families can make magical memories at a glamorous, casino-themed evening followed by an afterparty at the family pool.

Enjoy Traditional Holiday Festivities in Puerto Vallarta

A festively decorated dining area at The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta
Enjoy Christmas posadas at The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta. (Photo: Marriott International)

Jingle all the way to The Westin Resort & Spa, Puerto Vallarta for some luxurious relaxation by the beach. Experience Christmas posadas — festivities for the whole family that include breaking a piñata — at the end of the month. And enjoy impressive banquets on Christmas Eve and the following night.

Guests can dance the night away at the New Year’s Eve Tropical White Party, which culminates in a midnight toast.

Get Into the Holiday Spirit in San Juan

Aerial view of San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino’s holiday calendar includes family-friendly events. (Photo: Marriott International)

Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, where celebrations include decadent buffet dinners and brunches, an Around the World Extravaganza with live entertainment, and a family-friendly Christmas show.

The festivities continue well into January with a New Year’s Eve party, a Three Kings celebration and the San’Se (San Sebastián) Warm-Up Party ahead of the island’s largest street festival.

Enjoy the Outdoors in Guanacaste, Costa Rica

A view of a swimming pool and beach at JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
You won’t want to leave the private beach at JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa. (Photo: Marriott International)

Spend the holidays surrounded by nature at JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa in Costa Rica. Its beachfront location includes its own private stretch of Mansita Beach, and the landscaping is green and lush.

During the holiday season, the resort hosts Costa Rican–style celebrations that honor the country’s rich heritage and customs. The event calendar features festive activities like recreating the nativity scene at the Christmas manger and Creole cooking demonstrations.

Enjoy themed brunches when you’re feeling hungry and soak up the festive atmosphere at a Christmas Eve dinner by the beach. The hotel also typically throws a New Year’s Eve beach party to remember with a DJ and other exciting entertainment.

Ring in the New Year in St. George’s, Bermuda

Aerial view of The St. Regis Bermuda Resort
Celebrate from Thanksgiving to New Year’s at The St. Regis Bermuda Resort. (Photo: Marriott International)

End the year in luxurious surroundings at The St. Regis Bermuda Resort, where celebrations begin with a huge Thanksgiving dinner.

The feasting continues with seasonal afternoon tea and brunch events, as well as a five-course Christmas Eve dinner. There’s plenty more to get you in the holiday spirit, from meeting Santa at the Christmas market to carol-singing.

Interested in staying through New Year’s Eve? Enjoy a vibrant New Year’s Eve dinner and a countdown party featuring live music and Champagne sabering. After a late night, you’ll want to pencil in the resort’s New Year’s Day brunch laden with culinary treats.