Who says the holidays have to come with snow? At some of the world’s most spectacular luxury resorts, Christmas is celebrated beneath palm trees, beside infinity pools, and on terraces overlooking the ocean. Festive cocktails replace hot cocoa, outdoor dining takes center stage, and families gather around sparkling pools instead of fireplaces.
For travelers who appreciate exceptional pool design and outdoor living, these destinations offer plenty of inspiration. From private villas with expansive terraces to oceanfront infinity pools and desert retreats transformed for the season, each property combines the pleasures of warm-weather living with holiday traditions. Here are seven luxury resorts where celebrating Christmas and welcoming the New Year means spending more time outdoors.
ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach, Hawaiʻi
At ʻAlohilani Resort Waikīkī Beach, holiday celebrations extend from the lobby to the resort’s spectacular SWELL pool deck. Spanning 17,000 square feet, the elevated outdoor retreat features inviting cabanas, lounge areas, and views of Waikīkī, creating a lively setting for guests to enjoy the season beneath the sunshine.
For the holidays, the resort is decorating its poolside cabanas and introducing seasonal cocktails, adding festive touches to an already impressive outdoor entertaining space. Guests can spend the afternoon relaxing beside the water before exploring the resort’s broader holiday activities, including lei-making, stocking decorating, and appearances by Scuba Claus in the 280,000-gallon Oceanarium from December 12 through 24.
The combination of resort-style pool amenities, tropical landscaping, and festive programming demonstrates how thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can become natural gathering places during the holidays. At ʻAlohilani, the celebration is as much about enjoying the sunshine as it is about embracing the season.
Condado Ocean Club, Puerto Rico
For an adults-only holiday celebration with a distinctly Caribbean atmosphere, Condado Ocean Club offers a stylish escape overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in San Juan. The contemporary beachfront hotel combines ocean views, inviting poolside spaces, and a lively social scene, making it an appealing destination for couples and friends looking to trade traditional winter festivities for sunshine and cocktails by the water.
Available for stays from December 24, 2026, through January 3, 2027, the resort’s Naughty & Nice package welcomes guests with Coquito, Puerto Rico’s signature holiday cocktail, along with a $75 food and beverage credit. The festivities culminate on New Year’s Eve with the RAYS Before Midnight Pool Party, where guests can celebrate beside the water before continuing the evening at SOCIAL with a special prix-fixe dinner. With its oceanfront setting and festive atmosphere, Condado Ocean Club offers a spirited way to welcome 2027 poolside.
Oil Nut Bay, British Virgin Islands
For families dreaming of a Caribbean Christmas, Oil Nut Bay offers an extraordinary collection of private villas overlooking the turquoise waters of Virgin Gorda. Spread across 400 acres, the luxury resort community is designed around privacy, natural beauty, and outdoor living, with many residences featuring swimming pools, expansive terraces, and spectacular coastal views.
The villas provide an inviting setting for multigenerational celebrations, allowing families to gather for meals, enjoy afternoons by the pool, and take advantage of the island’s warm December weather. Beyond the residences, the resort offers beachfront dining, watersports, and an extensive calendar of seasonal activities.
From December 19 through January 3, holiday programming includes gingerbread decorating, festive dining, and Santa’s arrival by boat on Christmas morning. The celebrations continue with Jingle & Jam, a poolside gathering featuring activities and music, while New Year’s Eve brings the Midnight Riviera celebration with sunset cocktails, culinary experiences, and entertainment.
At Oil Nut Bay, private pools and outdoor entertaining spaces play an important role in the holiday experience, offering families the freedom to celebrate together while enjoying the beauty of the Caribbean.
Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort, Florida
Along Florida’s Atlantic coast, Signia by Hilton Diplomat Beach Resort brings a playful approach to poolside holiday celebrations. The oceanfront property offers expansive outdoor pool areas, private cabanas, and inviting spaces for families to relax between festive activities.
For the holiday season, themed cabanas and daybeds add a celebratory touch to the poolside experience. Younger guests can enjoy a Snow Day Foam Party, bringing an unexpected winter-inspired activity to the South Florida sunshine, while families can participate in Cookies & Cocoa, Breakfast with Santa, and holiday movie screenings beneath the stars.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day feature special dining experiences, while New Year’s Eve brings a beachfront celebration beneath the stars. The combination of poolside relaxation, family activities, and outdoor entertaining makes the resort an appealing destination for travelers who want to celebrate the holidays without sacrificing time in the water.
Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, California
In the heart of Greater Palm Springs, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa brings island-inspired hospitality to the California desert. Set across 11 acres of citrus groves, lush gardens, and winding pathways framed by the Santa Rosa Mountains, the resort offers a sun-filled holiday retreat where afternoons are spent lounging beside the pool and evenings unfold around glowing fire pits.
The resort’s Holidays at Miramonte celebration embraces its laid-back tropical spirit with a festive lineup of experiences. Guests can enjoy Happy Huladays happy hour, create floral leis during Lei & Aloha workshops, or participate in Cork & Canvas, a guided painting experience on Sunset Terrace. At Spa Rosa, the seasonal offerings include Polish & Pour, where guests can create a custom body polish while sipping mimosas, and the Cinnamon Citrus Glow Ritual, a treatment inspired by the scents of the season.
Between celebrations, the resort’s pools, outdoor gathering spaces, and inviting terraces offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the desert sunshine. With festive lanterns, fireside cocktails, and mountain views, Tommy Bahama Miramonte demonstrates how a warm-weather holiday can feel every bit as festive without a snowflake in sight.
La Concha Resort, Puerto Rico
With its distinctive architecture, oceanfront swimming pools, and vibrant atmosphere, La Concha Resort in San Juan offers a stylish setting for celebrating the holidays in the Caribbean. The resort’s beachfront pool areas invite guests to spend their days lounging beneath the palms, enjoying cocktails, and taking in views of the Atlantic Ocean. Its recently renovated Suite Tower provides a luxurious retreat between afternoons by the water and evenings exploring Puerto Rico’s lively capital.
For the holiday season, La Concha’s Suite Escape package includes a $100 hotel credit, a complimentary bottle of Champagne, a welcome gift, and up to 15 percent off treatments at Elemara Spa & Salon. Guests staying between December 22 and 25 also receive an additional $50 credit toward a tour or excursion. With its inviting pools, tropical surroundings, and lively social scene, La Concha offers a sun-filled alternative to traditional Christmas celebrations.
Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas, Mexico
For families who prefer to celebrate in the privacy of their own villa, Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas offers an exceptional setting along Mexico’s Sea of Cortez. The resort’s luxury villas and residence rentals feature private swimming pools, spacious terraces, and indoor-outdoor living areas designed for gathering, dining, and relaxation.
These residential-style accommodations are particularly appealing for multigenerational holiday travel, providing plenty of room for families to enjoy time together while maintaining access to the resort’s amenities. Mornings can begin with coffee overlooking a private pool, followed by afternoons on the swimmable beach or evenings spent dining outdoors beneath Baja’s clear skies.
The resort’s holiday calendar includes a traditional Mexican Posada, Christmas tree lighting, Santa’s arrival, and festive dining experiences. Families can also enjoy s’mores and stargazing, adding to the appeal of spending the season outdoors. With its combination of private pools and thoughtfully planned celebrations, Costa Palmas offers a compelling example of how luxury residential living can shape a memorable holiday getaway.
Memories Made Poolside
Whether the setting is a private villa in Mexico, an infinity pool overlooking the Pacific, or a festive terrace in the California desert, these eight resorts demonstrate the appeal of celebrating the holidays outdoors. With beautiful pools, welcoming gathering spaces, and warm-weather traditions, they offer a reminder that some of the season’s most memorable moments happen beside the water.
