Festive Travel the Janine Cifelli Way

Our pals at Janine Cifelli Representation boast some of the best hotels in their portfolio, so we checked with them to see what was on during the festive months at a few of their favorite properties. Janine has many other properties to share, but here’s a glimpse at the festive season in Jaj’s world. . . 

Armancette Hotel in France

Photo courtesy of Armancette Hotel & Janine Cifelli Representation

Photo courtesy of Kisawa Sanctuary & Janine Cifelli Representation

Kisawa Sanctuary 
Mozambique, East Africa 

Home to some of the richest subtropical ecosystems, Kisawa Sanctuary’s mission is to bring wilderness and wellbeing together. A complimentary welcome treatment or therapeutic massage brings the island’s healing energies to your arrival. Fresh ingredients from local farmers and fishermen ensure wellbeing is centered on the plate too. Plus, you’ll stay in one of the resort’s 11 secluded residences, each with a private beach, infinity pool, and open-air deck overlooking the sanctuary’s 300-hectare property.  

Festive Season Highlights & Information: 

  • Rediscover your rhythm with the Benguerra Island “Family Day” tradition, a special Mozambican celebration. Flit in and out as you please, taking part in the whole day or just a sliver of it, with activities and culinary delights such as craft-making, a marine expedition to Bazaruto Island, the annual beach football competition, and a Mozambican feast. Partake in guided meditation, dancing under the moonlight, and snorkeling with dolphins and turtles.  

  • Please note: a 7-night minimum stay applies from December 23rd to January 3rd  

Poe Perks

Kisawa Sanctuary is a Virtuoso property, so we can offer the following extra amenities during your next stay:

  • Daily a-la-carte breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the Main Terrace restaurant

  • $100 USD (in local currency) food & beverage credit

  • One additional 60-minute spa treatment, for two persons, during the stay (one is already included in the Kisawa guest experience for all guests)

  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Photo courtesy of Armancette Hotel & Janine Cifelli Representation

Armancette Hotel, Almae Collection 
Eastern France 

Set amid spectacular scenery perfect for the festive season and below the Mont Blanc massif, Armancette offers exquisite rooms and elevated gastronomy. This peaceful corner of the valley is perfect for a break in any season, but it makes for a pretty dazzling Yuletide spot. 

The hotel’s alpine environment is matched by its quintessential festive activities: sleigh rides, skiing, and more. Their spa features stunning views of the surrounding mountains and relaxing treatments to boot. Plus, their gourmet restaurant, La Table d’Armante, along with the convivial Mont Joly bistro, features local produce and regional flavors that elevate the vegetables, cheese, and meat from surrounding villages and farms in a delectable way. 

To celebrate the holidays, their fine dining restaurant will feature special Christmas and New Year’s menus, with live musicians to set the festive mood.  

Photo courtesy of Glenapp Castle & Janine Cifelli Representation

Glenapp Castle 
Scotland  

Looking for a fairytale holiday season? Look no further than Glenapp Castle, a storybook sprawl of turrets and towers in southwest Scotland. This 17-room baronial castle is set on 36 acres of ancient woodlands and stunning gardens. Their restaurant’s six-course menu is among the finest gourmet experiences in Scotland, and their cozy tearoom is the perfect place to sip a hot drink and sample homemade scones. Open fires in nearly every room only add to the merry feel. So enchanting!  

What’s Included in a Festive Stay?  

  • Falconry displays 

  • Clay pigeon shooting 

  • Archery 

  • Curling 

  • A treasure hunt in the glen and the estate 

  • A New Year’s party with pipers, ceilidhs (a traditional Scottish dance), black ties, banquets, and lots of fun with their annual ice curling competition—and more!   

Whether you choose to stay from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day or bring in the New Year at Glenapp (or both!), we can share a sample itinerary with you to give you a full idea of the jolly offerings during this merry and bright time of year. 

Poe Perks

Glenapp Castle is a Virtuoso property, so we can offer the following extra amenities during your stay:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom

  • Complimentary one-way private airport transfers

  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

  • Complimentary Wi-Fi


If you would like to Go Away to any of these properties during the festive season (and beyond), simply contact us. We will design a customized itinerary to set you on your way.