Best Places for Holiday Travel

In the November 2010 issue of Travel + Leisure, the editors highlighted the "Best Places for Holiday Travel." Cities that made the list include Cabo San Lucas, New York City, Provence and Santa Barbara, which just so happen to be future Élan destinations. Here's a quick run-down of why these tope 4 cities are THE places to be for Christmas, New Year's and every winter holiday from here on out:

1. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Pleasant 75-degree weather, secluded beaches, palm trees swaying in the wind, the faint sound of live guitar music in the distance and sipping cocktails overlooking the Sea of Cortés--that's just a little taste of a Cabo vacation in December. "During the day, there’s horseback riding, mountain hikes to the area’s hidden waterfalls, and even deep-sea fishing," according to Travel + Leisure. And The Élan Collection makes the trip even more memorable with A-list amenities: a dedicated 24-hour concierge staff, travel accommodations, daily housekeeping, onsite on-call private limousine service, luxury vehicle to use when in residence and personal item placement inside the home.

2. New York City

Everyone knows that Christmas in Manhattan is magical. Even the most serious visitors can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia upon seeing the city aglow with snow-capped trees and fences, twinkling lights and the massive tree in Rockefeller Center. Holiday shopping takes on a whole new meaning at Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdale's after you catch "a whiff of candied nuts" or "make eye contact with a Santa." The Élan Collection will have a pied-a-terre in New York City soon enough...making year after year seem just a little sweeter than the last.

3. Provence, France

If you enjoy a good fairy tale, than look no further than a Provençal winter wonderland. You might find delicate glass ornaments, tableware and rich bûche de Noël at the market at Fontvieille's 16th-century Château d’Estoublon... and don't miss Christmas Eve dinner at the château’s Bistrot Mogador. For the true local experience, you might also venture into St.-Rémy for Fête des Lumières (Dec. 11), when galleries stay open late and the centre ville becomes a block party; or capture a Provençal tree lighting ceremony in Eygalières (Dec 17). Magnifique!

4. Santa Barbara, Calif.

According to Travel + Leisure, "the coastal towns in Santa Barbara County combine New England–style comfort and old California elegance with outrageous holiday kitsch." You've got Summerland’s main shopping street, Stacky's Seaside, and Summerland Winery's tasting room for off-the-beaten-path holiday delights. But also the charming boutique shopping of Montecito and luxury shopping at the tried-and-true Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom on Santa Barbara's State Street. And even if you do decide to visit Santa Claus Lane in Carpenteria, you'll still have the privacy and elegance of your Élan residence to come home to.

How will you spend Christmas, New Year's or other December holidays this year? Are you looking for beach, mountain, country or city?