vacation home surrounded by mountains and forest in breckenridge colorado

Stay cozy for the holidays in Colorado. (Photo: Marriott International)

Tips + Trends

How to Make a (Vacation) Home Away from Home for the Holidays

Don’t leave your holiday traditions behind when you sojourn out of town this winter. The comforts of a vacation home offer plenty of possibilities to feel the joy and create a festive atmosphere anywhere in the world.

Here are six magnificent holiday vacation home rentals where ringing in the holidays will feel just like home — with some welcome upgrades.

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

Feast Slopeside in Breckenridge, Colorado

After a day schussing down the trails at Breckenridge Ski Resort, enjoy a belly-warming tipple — or some hot cocoa — around the outdoor fire pit at this ski-in/ski-out Colorado retreat. Then cook all the family favorites in the sizable chef’s kitchen and dig in as the sun sets over the craggy peaks just beyond the surrounding windows.

Afterward, billiards and console games await in the game room. Then settle in to watch your favorite holiday flick together in front of the 100-inch screen with a state-of-the-art home theater system.

Bring the Party to Switzerland

(Photo: Marriott International)

Ring in the New Year from the comfort of this nine-bedroom luxury ski lodge, which comes replete with its own disco, cigar lounge, wine cellar, indoor pool and cinema. Kick your feet up while the personal butler and chalet host prepare everything you need and the private chef cooks your ideal celebratory meal.

(Photo: Marriott International)

Post-party, refresh in the spa. Its nine treatment rooms and Turkish hammam (or steam bath) will have you walking into the new year feeling like a new you — or at least feeling ready to hit the ski slopes of Verbier’s 4 Vallées, the largest ski area in Switzerland.

Shop at the Holiday Markets in Paris

(Photo: Marriott International)

Booking yourself into a contemporary, art-filled apartment in the heart of the City of Light — across from the Louvre Museum, to be precise — means visiting the Christmas markets is both convenient and obligatory.

(Photo: Marriott International)

Among the largest is La Magie de Noël, located in Tuileries Garden, within walking distance of your space. Of course, getting there means you’ll have to force yourself to leave this stunning abode inside the Palais Royal, once home to distinguished individuals like King Louis XIII and the Bonaparte family.

Celebrate on a Beach in Mexico

(Photo: Marriott International)

You don’t plan a trip south of the border to sit inside. Luckily, La Bocana Beach lies just a few steps from this inviting four-bedroom oasis in Huatulco, Oaxaca. Snag some bubbly and toast on the shore to a healthy and happy New Year.

(Photo: Marriott International)

An in-house chef will assemble all of your meals so you can spend your time playing — the surfing is sublime here — and unwinding al fresco. In fact, with an infinity pool, open-air dining room, and rooftop terrace and bar, you may spend your entire vacation soaking up the salt-scented air.

Capture the Perfect Family Photo in San Sebastián, Spain

(Photo: Marriott International)

La Concha Beach — a short walk from this modern, four-bedroom villa — is known as one of Europe’s top city beaches. White sand, clear blue waters and ornate wrought-iron balustrades on the promenade will make for a stunning photo-op. (And yes, you can swim year-round.)

(Photo: Marriott International)

Once you capture the perfect shot, stroll back to your quiet retreat. Plenty of seating areas invite conversations over cups of coffee. The rooftop solarium is a great spot for a siesta. And because the home is spread out over five floors (don’t worry: there’s an elevator), everyone can access their own space when they need it.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday in the UK

(Photo: Marriott International)

Who says the holidays have to be stressful? Leave that all behind and escape to this charming riverside townhome (you can even bring your pet along). Floor-to-ceiling windows, two decks and two bedroom balconies mean the sea is never far from sight. Fun fact: Being near water has been scientifically proven to be calming and promote relaxation.

(Photo: Marriott International)

Spend time together lounging on the oversize sofa, playing in the gaming-console-outfitted game room or taking a short stroll into Kingswear. There, you can pick up a fabulous cup of coffee or hop on the ferry for some holiday shopping in Dartmouth.