Bing Crosby — and dozens since him — sang, “I’ll be home for Christmas.” That’s cool. But for those who want to get away for the holiday, Travel+Leisure has a few ideas.
“(T)hese hotels — with their festive decor, seasonal eats, and memorable holiday experiences — might be even better” than home, Travel+Leisure wrote for its annual list of festive U.S. hotels that make the season more magical.
“From over-the-top holiday displays in Las Vegas to snowy winter wonderland ski resorts, hotels around the United States go all out for the holiday season,” it continued.
One of those hotels is in Georgia.
Sea Island resort “on the Georgia coast has an especially impressive holiday display in store this season with the Advent Cottage, a lifesize gingerbread advent calendar. In addition to this interactive display, guests can expect festive decorations, story time with Santa’s elves, gingerbread decorating classes, caroling, holiday eats and more,” Travel+Leisure wrote.
According to the resort’s website, this season “will be one like no other. From storytime with Santa’s elves to our lifesize Gingerbread Advent Cottage in the Solarium to a Reindeer Dash fun run, we have every reason for you to join us this Christmas holiday.”
The fun begins Wednesday, December 22, with a wellness fair at The Spa. Later that evening, The Polar Express Extravaganza will entertain the kids, including a trip down Sea Island Drive in search of Christmas lights.
On Thursday, children can gather for a final chance to create ornaments in the Clubroom before 19th annual Reindog Parade (be sure to bring your pup’s best Christmas outfit). And before dinner, join Santa’s elves for story time in the Clubroom.
On Christmas Eve, you’ll have a chance to burn off some calories at the Reindeer Dash family fun run. The annual Children’s Christmas Party begins at 10 a.m., “where the biggest wonder of the day will be Santa’s gift,” the resort wrote. Christmas Eve Dinner will be served in the Cloister Ballroom, or you can dine in any of the resorts restaurants.
On Christmas Day, dine at one of the special brunches and dinners on tap for the day. Then, take it easy on the 26th and enjoy seasonal programming during the day followed by a Rainbow Island Roots Dinner in the evening.
This isn’t the first time the luxury resort has been recognized. The resort was on last year’s list from Travel+Leisure, and The Lodge at Sea Island has been recognized twice by U.S. News & World Report as the best hotel in the country.
About 85 miles south of Savannah, on St. Simons Island, Sea Island is within easy driving distance of Atlanta. But it’s not the only hotel on Travel+Leisure’s list you won’t need an airplane to visit.
Also making the list are the French Quarter Inn in Charleston, South Carolina; the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina; and the Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, in New Orleans.
