1. 101 Hotel, Reykjavik, Iceland
Discover a winter wonderland with a stay at 101 Hotel. This Reykjavik retreat is the perfect base for skidooing, husky sleighing and geyser watching in the beautiful landscapes of fjords, mountains and glaciers nearby. If that sounds a tad tiring, stake out the mini spa’s steam room (fuelled by geothermic heat) for an afternoon. Relax or recover from the day’s activities in a slick black-and-white Junior Suite, decorated with rough-wood accents that echo the countryside and sweeping views of the harbour and the old town. Sample the best of the region’s cuisine – baked filet of Icelandic cod with saffron risotto, honey-glazed cherry tomatoes and bacon, perhaps – in the spaceship-style 101 Restaurant & Bar (be sure to leave room for decadent desserts such as brownies with liquorice ice-cream, whipped cream and caramel sauce). Cap off your stay with a trip to see the Northern Lights – Christmas is the ideal time of year to see the sky light up. Smith Extra: A coffee-table book, MMXIII, about shopping, art and design in Reykjavik
1. 101 Hotel, Reykjavik, Iceland
1. 101 Hotel, Reykjavik, Iceland
1. 101 Hotel, Reykjavik, Iceland
2. Ace Hotel, Shoreditch, London
Styled with Shoreditch swagger, Ace Hotel has everything you could need for a hipster’s holiday: record players in each room, a photobooth in the lobby and an ever-changing calendar of music events. London lovers will lose their heart to local influences – the modernist English cuisine in restaurant Hoi Polloi, furniture specifically created by London artists and proximity to iconic Brick Lane (and its brilliant bagels) will ensure your Yuletide is less than traditional. Superior Double Deluxe rooms are cool and comfortable, with a cosy corner sofa and a table (for writing postcards, perhaps?). Splash out on the Suite, a two-room home-from-home with a vintage oak dining table perfect for hosting an orphan’s Christmas dinner. Room service can deliver dinner for many; choose from a scaled-down version of the Hoi Polloi menu or venture downstairs to try the full carte du jour, including pork cheeks with spiced apple followed by chocolate stout cake with salted caramel for dessert. Smith Extra: A bottle of house wine at check-in
2. Ace Hotel, Shoreditch, London
2. Ace Hotel, Shoreditch, London
3. The Standard, High Line, New York
A product of super-hotelier André Balazs, The Standard, High Line is perfectly positioned to celebrate Christmas in the Big Apple. Live life like the movies with an ice-skating session on the rink in the entrance plaza, a shopping spree at the slew of stylish stores surrounding the hotel and a visit to some of the city’s most famous landmarks, decked out in full Christmas regalia. Aim for a room on the eighth floor or above to take full advantage of the hotel’s prime views. The Standard Suites will have your jaw dropping: each one boasts three walls of floor-to-ceiling glass that offer near-panoramic sunset views from the freestanding bath tub and space for all your new purchases. Enjoy a Yuletide meal with a breathtaking backdrop at the 18th-floor Top of the Standard. Take advantage of Sunset Service (tea and drinks served in the afternoon); by dark, the space turns into a sophisticated supper lounge with live jazz music, a small-plate menu and speciality cocktails. Smith Extra: Two beers at the Standard Biergarten
3. The Standard, High Line, New York
3. The Standard, High Line, New York
4. Conservatorium, Amsterdam
Fans of a fairy-tale Christmas should flock to Conservatorium, whose neighbouring canals twinkle with candlelight come December. Part 19th-century landmark, part 21st-century architectural showcase, this glass-walled hideaway features seductive suites with brilliant city-centre views. The I Love Amsterdam suite is the pick of the bunch: step out onto its rooftop terrace for panoramic vistas of the city, or retire to your deep-set two-person bath tub for a glass of bubbles. The hotel is superbly situated for exploring the Dutch capital – the Stedelijk Museum and Rijksmuseum are just next door and Jordaan’s bars and boutiques are a short walk away. You won’t need to step outside for fantastic fare; big-hitting chef Schilo van Coevorden leads the charge at the hotel’s casual Brasserie and East-Asian flagship Taiko. Romantics should opt for the latter – the sultry bento box of a restaurant sets the stage for showstopping dishes, including soft-shell crab with pomelo salad and tapioca with coconut and pandan leaf.Smith Extra: Continental buffet breakfast each day (usually €24, approx. SGD39), or upgrade to à la carte breakfast with hot options for just €6 (approx. SGD10) a day.
4. Conservatorium, Amsterdam
5. QT Sydney, Australia
If your ideal Christmas is as sizzling as the turkey, have a gander at QT Sydney. This boutique bolthole is smack-bang in the middle of the harbour city, boasting hard-to-beat views and a knack for partying. The design diva occupies part of the historic State Theatre and Gowings department store buildings, combining Gothic, art deco and Italianate architecture with sexy and stylish interiors. You’ll be greeted by door gals dressed in saucy uniforms, then whisked away to one of the bold boudoirs, decorated with vibrant splashes of colour, print and patterns. DIY martini kits set the mood for a night of dining and drinking at the hotel’s buzzy restaurant and bar. Recover with a massage or facial at SpaQ; treatments are tailored to suit your mood on the day, so no matter how many martinis you sank, you’ll leave feeling fresh as a daisy. When the Christmas celebrations are over, you’ll be perfectly placed for Boxing Day sales; be sure to book a QT Corner Suite for the extra bag space. Smith Extra: Use of the hammam at SpaQ, plus free late check-out until 12pm
5. QT Sydney, Australia
5. QT Sydney, Australia
