As the festive season approaches, the golden window for travel throughout the Christmas period presents itself with manifold festive opportunities. As a travel company that focuses on creating connections between our clients and the destinations they visit, Conte often finds that the Christmas period offers a uniquely personal mode of travel; one filled with expectations of the perfect festive feast, of the breath of relief that winter sun destinations offer in the depth of winter - or the snow-tipped Christmas markets of winter wonderland fame.
However, travelling during this time can bring nervousness, as the nostalgic and sentimental nature often brings tenfold expectations - with The Conte Club, allow everything to be taken care of. Allow yourself to be taken to hand-picked destinations, with bespoke itineraries that celebrate the essence of spending time with family, friends and loved ones - wherever you may be. At Conte, we don't believe the idiom of 'One Size Fits All', and are pleased to provide some of our highlights of the best culinary destinations for Christmas below.
St. Moritz, Switzerland: Alpine Elegance & Culinary Excellence
In the heart of the Swiss Alps, St. Moritz rises as a shimmering showcase of alpine luxury. As a destination perhaps more familiar as a skiing hotspot, St. Moritz can surprise visitors with its ambience which seemingly naturally caters to the festive nature of the Christmas season. From the nearby alpine towns with pebblestone-laden streets full of postcard-picture Christmas markets to the resident luxury hotels offering all matters of winter activities, from Ice Skating on the frozen lake to Tobogganing, there is much to bring all members of the group into the festive mood.
For the ever-important festive feast, Conte would look no further than the exquisite culinary options presented by the 5* accommodations in the area. At the venerable Badrutt's Palace Hotel, enjoy the celebrated cuisine of Le Restaurant (and the hotel's many other dining establishments) honed carefully by Chef Jeremy Degras. Similarly, the excellent eye of Michelin-starred Mauro Colagreco watches over the delightful dishes prepared at The Kulm Country Club, alongside those of Executive Chef Mauro Taufer across all seven restaurants operated by the historic and deeply memorable Kulm Hotel St. Moritz.
New York City, USA: A Moment
New York City, in its holiday regalia, transforms into the city we know and love from Hollywood's best festive blockbusters across the winter months. From 'Elf' (2003) to 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947), these films have captured and inspired multiple generations' love of a 'white Christmas' in The Big Apple. Enchant yourself in the name of theatrics with a trip to see an iconic Broadway show with festive specials such as Radio City's Christmas Spectacular by the Rockettes on show, or if sightseeing the iconic sights such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree takes you to New Year's Eve, enjoy the likes of The Times Square Ball Drop just a few days later.
Conte would be amiss not to mention the Grand Salon at The Baccarat Hotel as a bringer of good taste, both in terms of the grandeur of its settings and the quality of its Christmas menu, brought to conception this year through the partnership of twice Michelin-starred chef Gabriel Kreuther and Executive Chef Ashfer Biju. For a different ambience, visit The Carlyle Café at The Carlyle (A Rosewood Hotel) for singer-songwriter Peter Cincotti's holiday residency titled "A New York Christmas". As the youngest artist to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Jazz Chart, expect cinematic nostalgia from the festive classics and a touch of Cincotti's originals to bring a contemporary twist. If wanting to explore more food-focused destinations across the states, explore Conte's Food Journeys of North America.
Prague, Czech Republic: A Winter Wonderland of Flavors
Prague, with its Gothic spires and medieval charm, becomes a stage for an enchanting Christmas culinary journey, framed perfectly by the charming festive aesthetics that come to light in the winter months. From visiting the Christmas Markets, which rival that of its neighbouring countries Germany and Austria with local crafts and food on offer, to taking part in the Christmas concerts held at historic venues such as the St. Nicholas Church, the city comes alive through its joyful celebrations of community and festivity.
After tasting the distinctive local fare offered at the Christmas Markets, you might be tempted to explore the local culinary traditions of Prague for your Christmas meal as well. Regional specialities include dishes like Český kapr (fried carp), Bramborový salát (potato salad) and Vánoční cukroví (Christmas cookies), traditionally eaten during Advent and on Christmas Eve, with the latter generally considered more celebrated and important than Christmas Day itself. Such items can be found on the Christmas menu at the critically acclaimed Ginger & Fred restaurant, located on the 7th floor of the famous Dancing Building, or alongside more international ingredients at CottoCrudo, the contemporary restaurant at The Four Seasons led by Executive Chef Nicholas Trosien.
Sydney, Australia: Winter Sun & Exciting Dining
In Sydney, where Christmas coincides with the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, the season unfolds in a celebration complimented by the presence of warm weather. Despite the sunlit days, the city harbours a monumental longing to do Christmas in its way - and a festive way at that. Throughout the period, the city lights up with a collection of dazzling light displays in a phenomenon known as the Sydney Christmas Lights. Across the harbour, the Sydney Opera House takes its festive part by playing host to Carols by Candlelight, a must-visit for any visitor longing for an atmosphere of collective holiday spirit.
The culinary masters in this city, however, have emerged independently and largely victorious. Quay, the critically acclaimed restaurant by Chef Peter Gilmore, offers a signature five-course Christmas tasting menu that reflects the vibrancy of Australian cuisine, paired with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. Or, if you're in the mood to branch out, explore chefs and partners Josh and Julie Niland's new opening at The Grand National Hotel. Expect an elevated dining experience that showcases the unlimited potential of fish at this former, yet still very much seafood-focused eatery.
With Conte, this Christmas, embark on a journey where the culinary arts and festive spirit intertwine across the globe. From the alpine elegance of St. Moritz to the sunlit splendour of Sydney, and from Prague’s medieval charm to the magical atmosphere of New York City, each destination offers a unique celebration of the season. As you savour each exquisite dish and immerse yourself in the local festivities, may your holiday be filled in true Conte style with warmth, wonder, and unforgettable memories.
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