@DEAR NAME@ With Christmas fast approaching the Quintessentially Travel team has put together some great packages for last minute bookings. If you want to make the most of the winter season and ski on some of the finest snow in the world, then we have access to some of the most amazing chalets at the most prestigious ski resorts on the planet. Perhaps you’d prefer a bit of sun? If so, we’ve got some fantastic deals on yachts in the Caribbean so you can enjoy the season in gloriously warmer climes. Of course, we’re always on hand to take care of any travel arrangements you may have, so all you need to do is get in touch with travel@quintessentially.com and let us handle everything. Chalet Zen Zermatt offers some excellent accommodation but the vast majority of it is in apartments and hotels. Chalet Zen, however, is the most fabulous private house and is one of only a handful available to rent in this world-class resort. Featured as one of Tatler's Top 10 Chalets 2005 (and just 100m from the main lift up to Schwarzsee and Klein Matterhorn with direct access to the new Furi Riffelberg connection) Chalet Zen is easily reached by skis at the end of the day - often after a drink or spot of tea at Zum See on the way down. It is also only a short stroll to the centre of town, making the chalet perfectly located for both skiers and non-skiers alike. Refurbished in 2004, the chalet offers all the amenities of modern day living yet has retained its traditional feel of a home-from-home. Indeed, Chalet Zen is all about old-school luxury with antique furniture, rugs and paintings giving it a wonderfully established feel. Each of the four bedrooms features its own en-suite marble bathroom, three with balconies looking up to the mighty Matterhorn. There is also a bunk room as part of a family suite should your party be larger than eight guests. Relax in style in the outdoor hot tub, or enjoy a steam shower or massage after a day on the slopes. Take in a film on the plasma screen or keep in touch via the chalet's wireless broadband internet service. Chalet Zen combines supreme comfort with excellent service; a rare and private haven in this king of resorts. From 28th December – 4th January: GBP 28,800 For more information or to book please contact travel@quintessentially.com. Christmas Unwrapped From the Virgin Islands to the Grenadines, the Caribbean is abound with perfect cruising grounds. From the scalloped coastlines of the Virgin Islands to the chic Leeward Islands, and the long chain of Grenadines Islands in the Windwards, there are thousands of islands offering dramatic scenery, fantastic watersports, world-class cuisine and welcoming locals. A large selection of CNI yachts are available for charter in the Caribbean this winter and below is just a selection with special deals over the holiday period. All boast exceptional areas for sunbathing and great entertainment space on deck – ideal for the warm Caribbean climate. They also boast an array of water toys, from jet skis to water skis, windsurfers and towable toys. The 45.6m Carpe Diem – which sleeps 10 guests in four doubles and one twin - is currently available for the holiday period and has recently reduced her rate to USD 150,000 with a 10 day minimum. The 43.65m Sedation – which sleeps 10 guests in three doubles and two twin cabins - is available for seven days over the New Year period (available from 29th December) at a rate of USD 170,000 per week. The 40.25m Monte Carlo – which sleeps eight guests in three double cabins and one twin - is available over the holiday period and is offering a seven day minimum for USD 90,000 per week. For those looking for romance and thrill of sailing, the 37m Northern Spirit is also offering a seven day minimum over the holiday period for USD 85,000 per week, and may be open to offers. For more information or to book please contact travel@quintessentially.com. The St. Regis Aspen Resort Located in the majestic and historic town of Aspen, The St. Regis Aspen Resort is a perfect environment for superb winter skiing and sports, entertainment, dining and the arts. The hotel delivers a benchmark of personalised service and limitless attention to detail amidst the relaxed spirit of the Rocky Mountains. Its 179 guestrooms and suites, heated outdoor pool (open year-round), 15,000 square foot Remède Spa and impeccable service all ensure its guests nothing less than an exclusive, luxurious winter escape. The St. Regis Aspen Resort still has a variety of guestrooms and suites available over the Christmas and New Year holiday period, many with fireplaces and breathtaking views over the mountains and picturesque town. The hotel has lowered its minimum night stay requirement to four nights only (lowered from seven nights), a rare offer over this popular holiday season. Members who take advantage this offer will receive a Quintessentially exclusive welcome amenity upon arrival at the St. Regis Aspen Resort and preferential rates on ski lift tickets and ski rentals. For more information, or to book, please contact travel@quintessentially.com. Montage, Beverly Hills Nestled in the legendary Golden Triangle, just steps from Rodeo Drive, Montage Beverly Hills is a celebration of splendour, of beauty, of art and luxury. It is the first hotel of its kind to be built in the area in 16 years, paying homage to an earlier era of graceful living and refined comfort whilst also offering the most modern amenities. With an exterior designed in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and an interior that features fruitwood floors and decorative copper ceilings, this eight-storey hotel complements the rich history and tradition of Southern California’s most celebrated neighbourhood. Guests are invited to feel at home in their very own luxurious estate and over one quarter of the hotel’s 201 well-appointed guestrooms are suites. The two signature restaurants share a devotion to culinary excellence. From the topiary garden views to the elegant décor, Parq offers a beautiful setting for people engaging in high society at night or conducting business by day. At its essence, Muse is a culinary hideaway where formal courses are served in an intimate setting. Then, the 20,000-square-foot, bi-level Spa Montage offers a true spa experience in the heart of Beverly Hills. You’ll be in the midst of all the area has to offer while surrounding yourself in ultimate luxury. Quintessentially members receive a host of benefits such as preferred rates and availability, upgrade at time of reservation (subject to availability), daily continental breakfast for two and an early check-in and late check-out. For more information or to book, please contact travel@quintessentially.com. Quintessentially Travel Diaries Each month, one of our travel experts will give you the low-down on their recent adventures. This month, Marisa Legner, our New York Head of Travel, tells us about her week in Mexico. MANDARIN ORIENTAL Upon arrival, you are immediately struck by the palatial traditional palapa lounge where you are checked in and briskly whisked away to your accommodation. The breathtaking resort is set amid 36 acres of natural jungle and has an eye to the water at all times whether it’s the ocean view, the on-property cenote (natural access point to groundwater held sacred by the Mayan culture), or lagoon tributaries. Spot custom-made sculptures by local artists on the art patios while you make your way from your oversized room to the mangrove reserves or white sand beach. Continuing with the water theme, the outdoor bathrooms feature shower or stone tubs while the Palafito rooms located directly on the lagoon include relaxing and private wooden decks. Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining at the Asian-influenced Ambar restaurant or a casual meal at the Aguamarina spa café, you are sure not to be disappointed. After dinner, enjoy cocktails overlooking the lagoon from the luxurious rooftop Mandarin Bar. Spas should be sumptuous and Mandarin Oriental again goes beyond expectations with their eleven separate treatment rooms and beautiful central pool. With a full array of activities provided for children through their Kids Club and two more pools there is something to satisfy and impress everyone at this Mayan Riviera gem. ROSEWOOD MAYAKOBA Upon arrival, you are taken to your villa’s private dock by boat along the canal that winds through the property, which affords you your first look over the striking, modern design of the resort and the full mile of white sand beaches for which the Mayakoba development is famous. Locally sourced materials were used in the construction of the grand suites featuring extra-large soaking tubs and a host of private rooftop sundecks, outdoor showers and individual pools. Nestled in lush greenery on a private island, the spectacular eight suite spa will relax even the weariest traveller with its superb selection of top-of-the line treatments and refreshing outdoor showers. Continue nurturing your body with organic options at the spa café or unwind in a different way at the cigar or tequila bars. Indulge in superb European meals at the Casa del Lago restaurant looking across the tranquil waters of the pool and lagoon one day and enjoy tCaribbean breezes at the open-air Punta Bonita restaurant featuring family-style local culinary creations the next. Entertain yourself by playing a round at the nearby Greg Norman-designed golf course, scuba-diving with the sparkling Caribbean fishes or swimming in the three magnificent pools on property. THE TIDES Set amid the splendour of the Yucatan peninsula’s natural jungle, and nestled next to the white sand beaches that have made the Mayan Riviera famous, this adults-only resort focuses on relaxation and comfort. Individual thatched-roof villas – of which there are thirty – pay homage to the Mayan history of the area while enveloping you in luxury. Each villa is completed by a handcrafted local hammock, indoor/outdoor shower and private pool. For an extra special holiday, reserve the Presidential Villa – the only one of its kind on the property - a two-level villa and the only one with unobstructed views of the ocean. While relaxing on the gorgeous white sand beach take a dip in the truly splendid waters of the Caribbean or the magnificent Oceanside pool. Indulge in the mixed Mediterranean, Mexican and traditional Mayan cuisine offered at La Marea restaurant or have the chef craft a custom meal for you and dine anywhere at the resort of your choosing. Even on a hot day, make sure to try the Chocolate Abuelita – hot chocolate spiced with chillis, nutmeg and cinnamon, served in a beautiful hand carved wooden mug. Sign up in advance for the chef’s table where the executive chef prepares a delicious multi-course dinner in front of you, paired with Mexican wines. Enjoy Friday night’s dinner, served under the stars on the beach on intimate white cloth tables surrounded by Tikki torches. If Marisa’s diary has inspired you to embark on travels of your own, our travel team will be more than happy to talk about organising a trip for you. Please contact travel@quintessentially.com. The Quintessentially Global Travel team would like to wish you a happy festive season and best wishes for the New Year!