‘Tis the Season to Do Something Different

Fairmont San Francisco
By Pati Navalta

It’s safe to say the holidays will look a bit different this year due to the pandemic. For home chefs, this can mean a break from elaborate cooking and preparation for friends and family, which, let’s face it, can be pretty stressful. Thanks to several offerings around the Bay Area, this can be the perfect chance to not only relax, but to get pampered by some of the finest hotels that are offering their own holiday packages. After a year of challenges, why not sign up for some cheer?

FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO

The iconic Fairmont San Francisco atop Nob Hill has an impressive list of holiday offerings, from sweets to suites. Here are just a few:

Thanksgiving @ Home: You can enjoy an intimate, pre-made dinner with your closest friends and family. Fairmont San Francisco’s signature Thanksgiving-To-Go includes a whole Mary’s brined turkey accompanied by a bounty of traditional holiday sides and dessert. Order your Thanksgiving meal to-go from the culinary pros in the Fairmont kitchen. Drive-thru, contactless pick up available is available Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 26) 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The full menu includes: Autumn salad; whole-roasted Mary’s turkey; gravy and giblets, sourdough bread stuffing and cranberry sauce; mashed potatoes with old- fashioned churned butter, honey-glazed carrots and tops, Brussels sprouts charred and prepared with coconut oil, parsley pesto, and sweet potato, ginger, sour cherries. A traditional pumpkin pie with whipped cream is offered for dessert. Meal serves 4-6 people for $175. Additional sides can be ordered if serving for a larger party. 

Holiday afternoon tea: With all local social distancing protocols and mandates in place, you can celebrate safely with a time-honored Fairmont tradition: holiday tea. You can relax while surrounded by holiday décor, impressive tea selections and a decadent assortment of sweet and savory bites. Adults $105 (Children $65). Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 5-Dec. 27. Reservations here

Santa Suite Collection: Starting Nov. 26, Fairmont San Francisco will unveil a collection of themed suites ranging from opulent Christmas décor and guided tours conducted by Santa himself, cookies and cocoa, and gifts for children on his nice list.  

Santa Suite packages include overnight accommodations in a one-bedroom luxury suite, decked out in Santa-inspired décor, continental grab-n-go breakfast for up to four guests in Laurel Court, an inspired holiday-themed hot chocolate amenity (with ingredients for both kids and adult beverages), holiday cookies and a DIY gingerbread house kit. Rates from $749 per night, available Nov. 26 through Jan. 2, 2021. Book your Santa Suite get-away here.

The hotel’s annual Trees of Hope charitable initiative allows guests to give back this holiday season. You can book a festive getaway and enjoy up to 15% off Fairmont’s daily rate as well as a $25 food & beverage credit per stay. In exchange, they will donate $10 for each night of your stay to a community charity. 

950 Mason St., 800.441.1414, fairmont.com/san-francisco

HOTEL HEALDSBURG

Up north in the Sonoma wine country, the autumnal vibe is on display. Hotel Healdsburg, located in the heart of the town’s charming Square, is inviting guests to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve in the comfort and privacy of its spacious and luxurious suites (complete with an option to include a Christmas tree and tree trimming kit on Christmas Eve.

The Home Suite Home for the Holidays package offers the perfect setting for a celebration, with a two-night stay in a suite, a bottle of Sonoma County’s Iron Horse Sparkling Cuvee, a set table with fine linens and an elegant seasonal flora arrangement, and a three-course holiday menu courtesy of Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen for 2 to 6 guests featuring both classic and innovative dishes paired with regional wines.

Located on the historic Town Plaza and reflecting the town’s distinctive wine country ambiance and gentle rusticity, the three-story Hotel Healdsburg features 50 handsomely appointed guest rooms and six suites, a 3,000-square-foot spa, a 60-foot outdoor pool, country gardens within the grounds, and Charlie Palmer’s internationally renowned Dry Creek Kitchen. Visitors can enjoy world-class wineries, renowned restaurants, and unique shops within minutes of their accommodations.

25 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 707.431.2800, hotelhealdsburg.com

CLAREMONT CLUB & SPA

Another iconic hotel just across the bay is also offering an exciting list of activities from now until the end of the year to get you moving — and perhaps burn off some of those holiday meals! Here are just a few:

Weekend Rise & Shine: Enjoy Saturday morning hikes starting at the front doors of the hotel through Claremont Canyon Conservancy or scenic Garber Park. Space is limited to 12 people. Water is provided. Hike begins at 9 a.m.

Easy Like Sunday Morning Yoga: Explore a family-friendly outdoor yoga class designed to explore wellbeing through physical movement. Meet on the resort front lawn. 

Yoga class is free of charge, yoga mats provided. Space is limited to 12 participants. Sign up with the hotel’s concierge here

41 Tunnel Rd., Berkeley, 510.843.3000, fairmont.com/claremont-berkeley

Photos courtesy of venues

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